Road pricing good or bad?

[Martin]

As it's such a hot topic in the UK at the moment i thought i'd open this debate up on the forum.

The UK government have recently doubled the size of the London congestion charging zone and are looking to set up 10 pilot projects elsewhere in the UK to see if charging people for using the busiest roads will lead to a reduction in congestion (and emissions).

Mrs Martin and I have seemingly opposing views on the matter and it appears that the same is true of most of the UK population.

What do you think?
Does anyone have any good examples of where such schemes have worked elsewhere in the world.

[90% by 2030]

Its got to be good surely - but only if implemented correctly - and there is a corresponding reduction in income tax. I know from driving during school holdiay times that even a 20% reduction in traffic volume makes the road seem as if they are empty, greatly speeding up travelling times, and therefore reducing emissions by much greater than 20%.

What does Mrs Marton think?!

[Neil]

Charge, Charge then charge some more!

How could this possibly be a bad idea?

The three main arguments against road charging are to my mind all fatally flawed.
1) This will put severe strain on businesses.
The level of charges being proposed will not put any real strain on business, but will comparatively increase costs of those who emit more CO2 and particulates than those who operate firms with lower environmental impacts. As the cost will be payable by all, then the business will have no problem passing through costs. This is equitable. Consumers should pay for the waste associated with the products they purchase. It will only be a competitive disadvantage to dirtier companies - GOOD.

2) The rich will carry on using the road whilst the poor will not be able too.
Probably the only argument that makes me think twice. However there are relatively simple ways to provide a means test to protect the truly vulnerable from an unpayable charge. However,if the level of charging is sufficient to make people think twice, what is wrong with encouraging a greater number of people on to public transport. We live in a society where the poor can not afford to purchase fresh local vegetables on a regular basis, are unable to purchase expensive green products such as energy saving bulbs ahead of the less efficient variety, but can still drive a dirty car! Something is badly wrong with such a society. If the lower income families are really the concern of road charge protestors then they should not worry. An increased public purse will only benefit those on lower incomes with the potential for higher benefits and better services.

Where travel is required for work, employers will only be able to attract a workforce by giving an allowance for the road charge - Again the polluter pays - GOOD.

3) They are just taking our money in another stealth tax.

The same people who sign a petition against road charging are the same who demand; better policing, local hospitals, more prison places, improved education, more probation officers, more recycling facilities, cleaner high streets, more bin collections.... care for the elderly, sick and unemployed, childrens benefits, protection against terrorism, more defence spending, lower income tax, cheaper petrol and carefully managed inflation. Well guess what - that is where your money is going. Even if you disagree with one or two of the above list, tough, the country isn't about you. It is about society, a diverse democratic society. It isn't going on a new swimming pool or mansion for the cabinet or PM. I for one say take the money. I am glad that I do not need it back, I don't wish to be sick, unemployed or live in a filthy neighbourhood.

If anyone else has any other faults with road charging please let me know so that I can enlighten your smoggy, congested, paranoid little worlds.

Incidently, I currently travel a significant distance on a daily basis by car. If road charging costs too much and I am unable to continue, I will move my house, job or both. In a way, I feel sorry for those selfish people who have signed the road charging petition, they cannot countenance the possibility of change in their lives:(