Barriers win over tolls
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by Juliet Morrison • What began as a protective shield against terrorists may be used to keep vehicles out of Britain's congested cities.
The "ring of steel", in place around the City of London since the ERA blew a hole in the Square Mile, could be used elsewhere if an all-party group of MPs succeeds in its aims.
The Commons Transport Committee prefers blocking traffic or slowing it clown to the idea of charging for road use.
The Committee says in its latest report that although urban road pricing could raise cash to improve the transport system, other physical measures are easier to introduce and just as effective.
The committee also attacks the Government's admission that any money generated could be treated as a levy—a source of funds to be absorbed by the Treasury—rather than as a charge to be kept for transport measures.
Urban road pricing has, together with motorway tolls, been a political hot potato for years. A favourite of environmental campaigners, the policy has been criticised by the haulage trade associations, motorists' groups and the roads lobby, while transport secretary Brian Mawhinney appears cool about the idea.
MPs Peter Bottomley, Gwyneth Dunwoody and Paul Flynn were among those who contributed to the report.