C-charge ad’s X Factor KO

Unlike Volkswagen’s next baby, the real-life Chico made his debut on TV’s The X Factor. And an advertisement promoting a mooted congestion charging zone nearly did, too – until it was banned.

The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive had planned to push its road-pricing project ahead of a vote by plugging it at peak viewing time. So the £230,000 promo, paid for by the Department for Transport, was to be screened during the television talent show. But broadcaster ITV Granada pulled it from the schedule, following complaints to Ofcom about its impartiality.

The Association of British Drivers has said if the scheme is implemented it would cost city centre motorists up to £1,200 a year. A total of 1.9 million Manchester residents will be balloted before the 12 December deadline.