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Craig · 22-05-2007, 16:20

The government is pushing ahead with plans to introduce road pricing schemes in England and Wales despite a huge public campaign against them.

It has published a draft bill updating the rules for local authorities who want to set up charging trials.

It insists there are no plans yet for a national scheme but critics say it is not being open about its intentions.

A petition against road pricing on the Downing Street website received nearly two million online signatories.

Widespread road pricing is at least 10 years away technically - but 10 local authorities have expressed an interest in developing smaller-scale charging systems in their areas, which could be up and running within five years.

'No decision'

The draft Local Transport Bill will give councils more flexibility to match road pricing schemes to local conditions, while ensuring they remain compatible with schemes in other areas.

But a Department for Transport spokesman said this did not mean the government was pressing ahead with a national pay-as-you-drive scheme.

"No decision has been made on a national scheme. We have got to see the results of the pilot schemes," he said.

He said there would be a three-month consultation period for those in favour and against road pricing to have their say before a final bill is drawn up.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, in his February reply to the Downing Street website petition, also insisted no decision had been made on national road pricing.

But he said congestion could not be allowed to grow unchecked and any scheme would not be used as a "stealth tax".

Mr Blair's official spokesman said earlier that the Downing Street website petition had "revealed the strength of feeling" on road pricing but "that was not a substitute for policy".

He said no decision had been made on a national scheme, but added: "If you don't have anything congestion will increase."

'Cash cow'

Conservative transport spokesman Chris Grayling said: "If the rumours about the bill are right, it is clear that Gordon Brown has his eye on the revenue a national scheme would bring in.

"This Bill, from Douglas Alexander, one of his key lieutenants, shows Brown's determination to introduce national road pricing is just as strong as Tony Blair's was."

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: "The government must be open and honest with people about its intentions to push forward with road pricing.

"They must commit to a system which does not mean motorists as a whole paying more, but just paying differently.

"If the public feel that road user pricing is just another cash cow for the Treasury, then it will meet stiff resistance and a real opportunity to reduce congestion will be missed."

Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 14:34 GMT 15:34 UK
E-mail this to a friend Printable version
Push towards pay-as-you-go roads
Traffic jam
The government says schemes could tackle rising congestion
The government is pushing ahead with plans to introduce road pricing schemes in England and Wales despite a huge public campaign against them.

It has published a draft bill updating the rules for local authorities who want to set up charging trials.

It insists there are no plans yet for a national scheme but critics say it is not being open about its intentions.

A petition against road pricing on the Downing Street website received nearly two million online signatories.

Widespread road pricing is at least 10 years away technically - but 10 local authorities have expressed an interest in developing smaller-scale charging systems in their areas, which could be up and running within five years.

'No decision'

The draft Local Transport Bill will give councils more flexibility to match road pricing schemes to local conditions, while ensuring they remain compatible with schemes in other areas.

KEY POINTS OF DRAFT BILL
Update existing powers so councils can propose local road pricing schemes
Any scheme expected to be part of anti-congestion plan and to fit in with those run elsewhere
Councils to bring in "quality contracts" to specify companies' bus routes, timetables and fares
Reform passenger transport authorities in major towns outside London to enable a "more coherent" approach

But a Department for Transport spokesman said this did not mean the government was pressing ahead with a national pay-as-you-drive scheme.

"No decision has been made on a national scheme. We have got to see the results of the pilot schemes," he said.

He said there would be a three-month consultation period for those in favour and against road pricing to have their say before a final bill is drawn up.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, in his February reply to the Downing Street website petition, also insisted no decision had been made on national road pricing.

The government must be open and honest with people about its intentions to push forward with road pricing
Alistair Carmichael, Lib Dem transport spokesman

Q&A: Road pricing
Road toll 'stealth tax' denied

But he said congestion could not be allowed to grow unchecked and any scheme would not be used as a "stealth tax".

Mr Blair's official spokesman said earlier that the Downing Street website petition had "revealed the strength of feeling" on road pricing but "that was not a substitute for policy".

He said no decision had been made on a national scheme, but added: "If you don't have anything congestion will increase."

'Cash cow'

Conservative transport spokesman Chris Grayling said: "If the rumours about the bill are right, it is clear that Gordon Brown has his eye on the revenue a national scheme would bring in.

AREAS BIDDING FOR PILOTS
Greater Bristol area
Cambridge area
Durham
Greater Manchester
Shropshire for Shrewsbury
Tyne & Wear
West Midlands
Reading
Norwich area
Nottingham, Leicester and Derby and the surrounding counties

"This Bill, from Douglas Alexander, one of his key lieutenants, shows Brown's determination to introduce national road pricing is just as strong as Tony Blair's was."

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: "The government must be open and honest with people about its intentions to push forward with road pricing.

"They must commit to a system which does not mean motorists as a whole paying more, but just paying differently.

"If the public feel that road user pricing is just another cash cow for the Treasury, then it will meet stiff resistance and a real opportunity to reduce congestion will be missed."

HAVE YOUR SAY
The country has spoken but the government isn't listening!
Chris Bowie, Glasgow

Send us your comments
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) called on the government to hold a referendum in areas where it was being planned.

"Without it road charging is completely illegitimate, as it would be for a national scheme without a public vote on the issue," said Steve Collie, FSB Transport Chairman.

"Instead of creating more tolls and more laws the government should be enforcing current rules and spending more on the transport network."

Bus services

The main thrust of the draft Local Transport Bill concerns bus services, with local authorities given the opportunity to insist private operators run certain routes.

In return, councils will have to provide the appropriate bus lanes.

In London, where bus services are privatised but are still regulated, there has been an increase in passenger numbers in recent years.

But outside the capital, where services have been privatised and deregulated since 1986, there has been a fall in use.

The draft bill will fall short of proposing re-regulation for non-London services but it will give local councils - especially the big metropolitan authorities - more say in the running of buses.

In February, 74% of the 1,006 people questioned for a BBC-commissioned survey said they were opposed to charging motorists by the mile.

But 55% of those spoken to said they would change their minds and support such a scheme if the money raised was used to improve public transport - a move included in Tuesday's draft Bill.

---------------------

Wtf? You pay god knows what just to own a car atm. Now you may need to pay to actually drive as well? Our governments are cunts.

BBC NEWS | UK | UK Politics | Push towards pay-as-you-go roads

westboy · 22-05-2007, 18:36

I know believing what politicians is stupid, but I got the response and Bliar said
"Of course it would be ten years or more before any national scheme was technologically, never mind politically feasible."
By which time you just don't know what the political climate will be like (just look at how difference politics is now and what it was like in May '97)

superally · 22-05-2007, 18:58

I cant be arsed to read all that,but if it ever happens,ill claim it back on my expenses.

westboy · 22-05-2007, 19:43

yeah hopefully i'll be in that position in ten years time rather than working for mcdonalds...

superally · 22-05-2007, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by westboy

yeah hopefully i'll be in that position in ten years time rather than working for mcdonalds...

Hopefully!! Tho its hard work and ambition that does it not what you earn in school.
I started at my place 20 years ago on Â£147 a week,now im director touching a 6 figure salary.

hammer9 · 22-05-2007, 20:26

its f*** crazy! Our government pissed me off. thay always want money, money, money, money

FourOneFourOne · 22-05-2007, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

Wtf? You pay god knows what just to own a car atm. Now you may need to pay to actually drive as well? Our governments are cunts.

BBC NEWS | UK | UK Politics | Push towards pay-as-you-go roads

Taxes are a necessity, unless you want no NHS, education, defence, police, etc.

**Simonutd** · 22-05-2007, 21:27

so this means thoughs that work hard and have to drive far to work, have to pay more tax, while thoughs who do nuffin and dont go out much save more money by still sitting at home and gettin dole money, not fair again i say

westboy · 22-05-2007, 21:29

The Conservatives left government with a very stable economy in '97 and they didn't have all these stealth taxes...not an expert on economics but even with inflation surely this just shows New Labour have fcked up.

FourOneFourOne · 22-05-2007, 21:32

The Conservatives ran down public services, they didn't need as much tax.

22-05-2007, 16:20	#1
Craig Administrator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Middlesbrough I Support: Middlesbrough I am 18 years old Posts: 3,800 Nominated 0 Threads TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0 Rep Power: 10	Pay as you drive? The government is pushing ahead with plans to introduce road pricing schemes in England and Wales despite a huge public campaign against them. It has published a draft bill updating the rules for local authorities who want to set up charging trials. It insists there are no plans yet for a national scheme but critics say it is not being open about its intentions. A petition against road pricing on the Downing Street website received nearly two million online signatories. Widespread road pricing is at least 10 years away technically - but 10 local authorities have expressed an interest in developing smaller-scale charging systems in their areas, which could be up and running within five years. 'No decision' The draft Local Transport Bill will give councils more flexibility to match road pricing schemes to local conditions, while ensuring they remain compatible with schemes in other areas. But a Department for Transport spokesman said this did not mean the government was pressing ahead with a national pay-as-you-drive scheme. "No decision has been made on a national scheme. We have got to see the results of the pilot schemes," he said. He said there would be a three-month consultation period for those in favour and against road pricing to have their say before a final bill is drawn up. Prime Minister Tony Blair, in his February reply to the Downing Street website petition, also insisted no decision had been made on national road pricing. But he said congestion could not be allowed to grow unchecked and any scheme would not be used as a "stealth tax". Mr Blair's official spokesman said earlier that the Downing Street website petition had "revealed the strength of feeling" on road pricing but "that was not a substitute for policy". He said no decision had been made on a national scheme, but added: "If you don't have anything congestion will increase." 'Cash cow' Conservative transport spokesman Chris Grayling said: "If the rumours about the bill are right, it is clear that Gordon Brown has his eye on the revenue a national scheme would bring in. "This Bill, from Douglas Alexander, one of his key lieutenants, shows Brown's determination to introduce national road pricing is just as strong as Tony Blair's was." Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: "The government must be open and honest with people about its intentions to push forward with road pricing. "They must commit to a system which does not mean motorists as a whole paying more, but just paying differently. "If the public feel that road user pricing is just another cash cow for the Treasury, then it will meet stiff resistance and a real opportunity to reduce congestion will be missed." Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 May 2007, 14:34 GMT 15:34 UK E-mail this to a friend Printable version Push towards pay-as-you-go roads Traffic jam The government says schemes could tackle rising congestion The government is pushing ahead with plans to introduce road pricing schemes in England and Wales despite a huge public campaign against them. It has published a draft bill updating the rules for local authorities who want to set up charging trials. It insists there are no plans yet for a national scheme but critics say it is not being open about its intentions. A petition against road pricing on the Downing Street website received nearly two million online signatories. Widespread road pricing is at least 10 years away technically - but 10 local authorities have expressed an interest in developing smaller-scale charging systems in their areas, which could be up and running within five years. 'No decision' The draft Local Transport Bill will give councils more flexibility to match road pricing schemes to local conditions, while ensuring they remain compatible with schemes in other areas. KEY POINTS OF DRAFT BILL Update existing powers so councils can propose local road pricing schemes Any scheme expected to be part of anti-congestion plan and to fit in with those run elsewhere Councils to bring in "quality contracts" to specify companies' bus routes, timetables and fares Reform passenger transport authorities in major towns outside London to enable a "more coherent" approach But a Department for Transport spokesman said this did not mean the government was pressing ahead with a national pay-as-you-drive scheme. "No decision has been made on a national scheme. We have got to see the results of the pilot schemes," he said. He said there would be a three-month consultation period for those in favour and against road pricing to have their say before a final bill is drawn up. Prime Minister Tony Blair, in his February reply to the Downing Street website petition, also insisted no decision had been made on national road pricing. The government must be open and honest with people about its intentions to push forward with road pricing Alistair Carmichael, Lib Dem transport spokesman Q&A: Road pricing Road toll 'stealth tax' denied But he said congestion could not be allowed to grow unchecked and any scheme would not be used as a "stealth tax". Mr Blair's official spokesman said earlier that the Downing Street website petition had "revealed the strength of feeling" on road pricing but "that was not a substitute for policy". He said no decision had been made on a national scheme, but added: "If you don't have anything congestion will increase." 'Cash cow' Conservative transport spokesman Chris Grayling said: "If the rumours about the bill are right, it is clear that Gordon Brown has his eye on the revenue a national scheme would bring in. AREAS BIDDING FOR PILOTS Greater Bristol area Cambridge area Durham Greater Manchester Shropshire for Shrewsbury Tyne & Wear West Midlands Reading Norwich area Nottingham, Leicester and Derby and the surrounding counties "This Bill, from Douglas Alexander, one of his key lieutenants, shows Brown's determination to introduce national road pricing is just as strong as Tony Blair's was." Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: "The government must be open and honest with people about its intentions to push forward with road pricing. "They must commit to a system which does not mean motorists as a whole paying more, but just paying differently. "If the public feel that road user pricing is just another cash cow for the Treasury, then it will meet stiff resistance and a real opportunity to reduce congestion will be missed." HAVE YOUR SAY The country has spoken but the government isn't listening! Chris Bowie, Glasgow Send us your comments The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) called on the government to hold a referendum in areas where it was being planned. "Without it road charging is completely illegitimate, as it would be for a national scheme without a public vote on the issue," said Steve Collie, FSB Transport Chairman. "Instead of creating more tolls and more laws the government should be enforcing current rules and spending more on the transport network." Bus services The main thrust of the draft Local Transport Bill concerns bus services, with local authorities given the opportunity to insist private operators run certain routes. In return, councils will have to provide the appropriate bus lanes. In London, where bus services are privatised but are still regulated, there has been an increase in passenger numbers in recent years. But outside the capital, where services have been privatised and deregulated since 1986, there has been a fall in use. The draft bill will fall short of proposing re-regulation for non-London services but it will give local councils - especially the big metropolitan authorities - more say in the running of buses. In February, 74% of the 1,006 people questioned for a BBC-commissioned survey said they were opposed to charging motorists by the mile. But 55% of those spoken to said they would change their minds and support such a scheme if the money raised was used to improve public transport - a move included in Tuesday's draft Bill. --------------------- Wtf? You pay god knows what just to own a car atm. Now you may need to pay to actually drive as well? Our governments are cunts. BBC NEWS \| UK \| UK Politics \| Push towards pay-as-you-go roads

22-05-2007, 18:36	#2
westboy Football Fan Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: London I Support: Brentford Posts: 5,580 Nominated 0 Threads TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0 Rep Power: 7	I know believing what politicians is stupid, but I got the response and Bliar said "Of course it would be ten years or more before any national scheme was technologically, never mind politically feasible." By which time you just don't know what the political climate will be like (just look at how difference politics is now and what it was like in May '97) __________________ Thanks for the sig Kolo!:thumbup1:

22-05-2007, 18:58	#3
superally Drunken Admin! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Aston.. I Support: The Queens Eleven! I am 87 years old Posts: 12,973 Nominated 10 Threads TOTW/F/M Award(s): 2 Rep Power: 14	I cant be arsed to read all that,but if it ever happens,ill claim it back on my expenses. __________________ Celtic FC-Ashamed to be Scottish since 1888.-The Famine is Over-Why Don't You Go Home?! VVV Click The Wee Red Thing VVV Help fight Breast Cancer Click Daily.

22-05-2007, 19:43	#4
westboy Football Fan Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: London I Support: Brentford Posts: 5,580 Nominated 0 Threads TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0 Rep Power: 7	yeah hopefully i'll be in that position in ten years time rather than working for mcdonalds... __________________ Thanks for the sig Kolo!:thumbup1:

22-05-2007, 21:32	#10
FourOneFourOne Football Fan Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Huddersfield I Support: EVERTON AND PROUD I am 22 years old Posts: 2,064 Nominated 0 Threads TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0 Rep Power: 4	The Conservatives ran down public services, they didn't need as much tax. __________________ NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM


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22-05-2007, 20:26	#6
hammer9 Football Fan Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: London, UK I Support: West Ham, Bournemouth, C.Palace I am 38 years old Posts: 3,623 Nominated 0 Threads TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0 Rep Power: 5	its f*** crazy! Our government pissed me off. thay always want money, money, money, money

22-05-2007, 21:29	#9
westboy Football Fan Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: London I Support: Brentford Posts: 5,580 Nominated 0 Threads TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0 Rep Power: 7	The Conservatives left government with a very stable economy in '97 and they didn't have all these stealth taxes...not an expert on economics but even with inflation surely this just shows New Labour have fcked up.

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