Liberal Democrats across Greater Manchester are calling for dogs to be allowed on Metrolink trams ahead of a crunch meeting this Friday.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) officials are recommending the ban on dogs continues. The Labour-controlled TfGM Policy Committee will meet on Friday afternoon at Manchester Town Hall to take the decision.

“Dogs can travel on the London Underground and on the London trams – it doesn’t cause problems. They can travel on buses and trains in Greater Manchester too. It’s difficult to see why TfGM think allowing dogs on Metrolink trams will be so terrible,” stated Cllr Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Opposition, Lib Dem Group Leader Oldham Council and Member of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee.

“There could be a trial or even some restrictions, such as no dogs in rush hour, if they were needed. Just saying no is not acceptable,” he added.

“No wonder the report on this matter was not ready for the June meeting of TfGMC as I asked for it to be and indeed, the approved minutes said it would be,” said Cllr Howard Sykes.

“Let’s hope we have an outbreak of common sense and the elected councillors throw out this silly recommendation and then the tens of thousands of responsible dog owners in Greater Manchester can use trams just like they can buses and trains!”