Menu
06/06/2005
Pay-as-you-go road mileage proposals to be rolled out
Plans to introduce a pay-as-you-go scheme of road use charges has prompted a storm of protest from road users, transport experts and campaign groups.
The plans are understood to involve the introduction of charges of up to £1.40 per mile on some of the UK's most congested stretches of the road network, and the high technology solution to congestion problems will see a radical overhaul of the existing fuel tax structure and the road fund licence.
However, the proposals have met a storm of protest by experts who warn that if the Government fails to persuade road users that the structure will be fair and reasonable there could be a revolt of "poll tax" proportions.
Among areas that could be hit if journeys are perceived as more expensive are tourism, haulage and delivery costs.
With around £7.50 of every £10 spent on fuel already going to the government in duty, one of the highest rates in the EU, the motorist will be keen not to pay more.
The solution will also have to rely on relatively expensive technology and would have to be efficiently policed in some manner to ensure compliance by all road users.
Transport experts have also expressed concerns that if some urban routes are made more expensive, then less expensive rural routes, many of which are less suitable for heavy volumes of traffic, may become more congested.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is expected to outline the proposals later this week.
(SP/KMcA)
The plans are understood to involve the introduction of charges of up to £1.40 per mile on some of the UK's most congested stretches of the road network, and the high technology solution to congestion problems will see a radical overhaul of the existing fuel tax structure and the road fund licence.
However, the proposals have met a storm of protest by experts who warn that if the Government fails to persuade road users that the structure will be fair and reasonable there could be a revolt of "poll tax" proportions.
Among areas that could be hit if journeys are perceived as more expensive are tourism, haulage and delivery costs.
With around £7.50 of every £10 spent on fuel already going to the government in duty, one of the highest rates in the EU, the motorist will be keen not to pay more.
The solution will also have to rely on relatively expensive technology and would have to be efficiently policed in some manner to ensure compliance by all road users.
Transport experts have also expressed concerns that if some urban routes are made more expensive, then less expensive rural routes, many of which are less suitable for heavy volumes of traffic, may become more congested.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is expected to outline the proposals later this week.
(SP/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 January 2015
BTP Try To Establish Identity Of Woman Killed By Train
British Transport Police (BTP) are trying to establish the identity of a woman who died on Wednesday morning after being hit by a train. BTP said the woman died after being hit by a train near Dingle Road station just before 06:00 this morning. Her body was taken to University Hospital of Wales were a post-mortem is due to be carried out.
BTP Try To Establish Identity Of Woman Killed By Train
British Transport Police (BTP) are trying to establish the identity of a woman who died on Wednesday morning after being hit by a train. BTP said the woman died after being hit by a train near Dingle Road station just before 06:00 this morning. Her body was taken to University Hospital of Wales were a post-mortem is due to be carried out.
18 November 2013
Call For Drivers To Tune In To Road Safety
A national campaign launched today by the charity Brake at the start of Road Safety Week calls on drivers to tune in to road safety, to prevent appalling crashes caused by multi-tasking at the wheel.
Call For Drivers To Tune In To Road Safety
A national campaign launched today by the charity Brake at the start of Road Safety Week calls on drivers to tune in to road safety, to prevent appalling crashes caused by multi-tasking at the wheel.
23 October 2015
Reward Offered In 2010 Murder Of 16-Year-Old
A reward of £20,000 has been offered for information leading to a conviction for the 2010 murder of 16-year-old Samuel Adelagun in Plaistow. Police have renewed their appeal on the murder of the teenager and the attempted murder of his 15-year-old friend on Saturday, 23 October 2010.
Reward Offered In 2010 Murder Of 16-Year-Old
A reward of £20,000 has been offered for information leading to a conviction for the 2010 murder of 16-year-old Samuel Adelagun in Plaistow. Police have renewed their appeal on the murder of the teenager and the attempted murder of his 15-year-old friend on Saturday, 23 October 2010.
17 January 2005
Merger forms 'Road Block' anti-road protest group
An alliance of groups and individuals campaigning against the building of new roads has been set up under the name 'Road Block'. The campaigners behind the new association say that it has been launched in response to a proposed scheme for 200 new roads throughout the UK.
Merger forms 'Road Block' anti-road protest group
An alliance of groups and individuals campaigning against the building of new roads has been set up under the name 'Road Block'. The campaigners behind the new association say that it has been launched in response to a proposed scheme for 200 new roads throughout the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
