loD backs congestion charging
Page 6
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• The Institute of Directors (100) has branded the government's 10-Year Transport Plan as ineffective: it is calling for congestion charging, offset by a reduction in fuel duty.
The Id was speaking as new Transport Minister John Spellar told Commercial Motor in an exclusive interview that managing traffic is one of his top concerns. And he insisted that speeding up anti-congestion schemes is a key issue. He added: "Hauliers are concerned about conges tion because it impacts on their costs."
But in its latest policy paper. More Roads and Road Pricing—the Way to Go?, the loD says government plans will have little effect on alleviating gridlock.
loll chief economist Graeme Leach says: We cannot go on running our road network like the old Soviet economy, with rationing and queuing. The 100 does not believe that the Government can achieve its targets for reducing congestion without widespread road pricing. But even this is unlikely to be sufficient. We have to face up to a simple truth—that more road capacity will have to be built."
The loD's comments will be met with mixed feelings by hauliers who will welcome any plans for a fuel tax cut but will be less enthusiastic about an extension of road charging.
Commenting on Spellar's promise to put congestion busting at the top of the agenda to help the haulage industry, Colin Young of Cranieigh Freight Services says: "Fuel is undoubtedly the big issue—congestion is a minority problem."
• For the full interview with John Speller turn to page 10.