Nationwide road tolls 'outlined'

 

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander will seek powers to create toll roads across the UK, reports have said.

 

In a leaked letter in the Sunday Times, he outlines plans for a bill for widespread tolls to combat congestion.

 

Local authorities currently set charges - such as London's - but in the letter Mr Alexander says he should be able to set simpler national standards.

 

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it had no intention of imposing road-pricing on local authorities.

 

Ministers currently give their approval for local schemes like London's congestion charge.

 

In a letter to Leader of the Commons Jack Straw, dated 20 July, Mr Alexander argues he should set national levels to prevent confusion that would arise if different cities adopted different schemes.

 

Drivers would be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis, with black boxes in their cars working out how far they drive on toll roads.

 

"The main purpose of the bill would be to support our efforts to cut congestion and improve public transport, particularly in the major cities outside London," the letter said.

 

"It would also help to pave the way for a national road-pricing scheme in the medium to long term.

 

"I would propose reforming the current arrangements for approving local road-pricing schemes, providing better targeted powers to ensure that schemes are consistent with a national framework.

 

'See benefits'

 

"Current legislation offers very limited powers for pricing on the trunk road network outside of the area of a local scheme.

 

"We are considering pilots on the trunk road network as an important stage towards national road-pricing."

 

A DfT spokeswoman said: "The government has been very clear about the need to explore road pricing as a way to tackle congestion.

 

"It is only right that we explore what legislation might be required to do this.

 

Queen's Speech

 

"With any scheme it will be important that the motorist can see the benefits - improving reliability and tackling congestion."

 

Mr Straw is drawing up the list of bills to be included in the Queen's Speech in the autumn.

 

In another letter obtained by the newspaper, Mr Straw is reported to outline 13 bills expected to also be included.

 

They cover criminal justice; consumer protection; digital switch-over; criminal trials; free bus travel for pensioners; further education; new powers for the London Mayor; health and social security; House of Lords reform; local government; organised crime; pensions; and Child Support Agency reform.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5249538.stm

 

(and yes, I was bored when creating that poll to simply put "For" and "Against"

I don't drive...lol. But I've gotta stick up for you folks who drive your pedestrian buddies everywhere!!

I second that. My sister had to pay $10 the other day to go over some stupid road. Rip off I tells ya!

lets hope he doesn't make as many fucking mistakes as this guy did

 

If they get their way, the motorway national speed limit will be lowered to 60 mph and car tax will go up in £300 stages from £0 for those shitty electric 2 seaters which have a range of 10 metres before needing charging for 30 hours, upto £1800 for a "4*4", even though they are smaller and cleaner than some large saloons.

And who is for road tolling?

 

Stand up and explain yourself

Road tolling works for those MPs who live and work in the same city and get Jenkins to drive them around. And people who live and work in the same urban area, so there is public transport.

 

Not for people who don't work in an office in a city centre, but out in the country.