North West: Jams today ... and tomorrow?

Liverpool and Manchester plan to close selected city centre streets to mark European car free day on 22 September 2003.

Cars and busses will be banned for the day, and replaced by market stalls and street entertainers.

The Politics Show North West is live from Manchester's Deansgate, which has been pedestrianised for the day.

Traffic levels could rise 25% by 2010

Concern about gridlock and pollution prompted London Mayor Ken Livingston to introduce a system of congestion charging in the capital.

Manchester and other cities are looking to London to see if the idea could be implemented on their streets.

But motoring organisations complain that drivers have enough to put up already.

Earlier this year Manchester City Council admitted that the private firm contracted to run the city's on street parking had been 'over zealous' in pursuing errant drivers.

In Liverpool, city centre businesses have complained about plans to extend the use of double yellow lines downtown.

The Politics Show hears from commuters, councillors, motoring groups and environmental lobbyists, and debates the issues live from what is usually one of Manchester's busiest thoroughfares.

Lib Dems to rock Brighton?

NW Political Editor Jim Hancock begins his tour of the party conferences, reporting from the Liberal Democrats' gathering in Brighton.

He joins party activists from the North West to discuss the Lib Dems' policies and prospects.

Topics up for debate will include the party's stance on Iraq, Charles Kennedy's leadership and the Lib Dems' election prospects, following their shock victory in the Brent East by-election.

The Politics Show

Jacey's Journal

Politics Show reporter Jacey Normand rounds up the week's political news and gossip from across the North West in her regular TV diary.

She reports on a conference examining how the North West might be affected by global warming.

Scientists commissioned by the North West Assembly say rising temperatures will have an impact on the region's coastal defences, wildlife and agriculture.

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Join presenter Stuart Flinders on Sunday, BBC One at the later time of 1.30pm for more focus on local issues.