The cost of driving on Britain's roads

29/11/2011

Dear Editor,

While everyone's attention is on the damage caused by high fuel prices, a
new report effectively proposes imposing road pricing on our major roads
(both new and existing). [1]

It can even be read as suggesting them for our local roads, ultimately
forcing drivers to pay to travel on roads everywhere.  [2]

It's only a few years since nearly 2 million people signed a petition
against road pricing.

Britain's drivers already pay through the nose - roughly £50 billion each
year in taxes in return for about £8 billion in roads investment, This has
unfortunately been the pattern for many years. Investment in relieving our
congested roads has in fact been paid for in advance several times over.

When families everywhere are feeling the pinch on motoring costs, there is
absolutely no case for adding to our tax burden.

I am pleased to see that our mew Transport Secretary, Justine Greening, has
previously stood up for the travelling public and saw off the threat of
rip-off charges for vehicles using Heathrow airport. [3]

These proposals are nothing less than 'highway robbery' and she must reject
them outright.

For more information, please visit our webpage
www.fairdealabd.org.uk/notolls.htm.

Brian Gregory
Chairman, Association of British Drivers,
PO Box 11125,
Witham, Essex
CM8 9BG
brian.gregory@abd.org.uk

Tel: 07000-781544
National pressline - 0870-444-2535
Main site: www.abd.org.uk


References and Links

 [1]  The 'independent' report by Highways Agency Chairman Alan Cook is
called 'A fresh start for the Strategic Road Network'. Known as 'the Cook Report'.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/strategic-roads-network

[2] See [1], p66, p75.

By coincidence, European Commission proposals (COM(2011)144 and COM(2008)436 final) seek the gradual imposition of charges on all vehicles and on the whole road network.

[3] In 2008, Justine Greening stood up to BAA, who wanted new charges to
help pay for Heathrow expansion, They wanted to charge £20 for dropping off car passengers - on top of a daily parking fee of £20. They were also
looking at a £3 'congestion charge' fee for lorries using roads around the
airport
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-536755/Drivers-face-20-charge-just-drop-passengers-Heathrow.html

In 2010, as Shadow Minister for London, she opposed the imposition of
parking charges in two local parks.
http://freetopark.co.uk/2010/01/18/london-royal-parks-parking-fees-approved/