Motorway tolls would switch Ms to A-roads
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• Most owner-drivers would switch to A-roads if motorway tolls were introduced because they wouldn't be able to pass on the 4p-a-mile charges.
And a poll commissioned by the Guardian reveals 84% of car drivers oppose tolling and 52% would switch to A-roads to avoid charges.
"My customers don't even pay for the Dartford Tunnel," says owner-driver Russell Holmes. "You're going to say to your customers that its £150 from London to Birmingham plus £40 for tolls and they're going to say nuts to that, why don't you use other roads?"
Hard-pressed drivers don't want to bear the extra cost of tolls themselves and say costs are rising too fast already, while rates are falling in real terms. "It wouldn't be a bad idea if they reduced the road tax to compensate but when you're already paying £3,000 a year it's a bit much," says Bob Maddison.
Owner-driver John Wrigglesorth says if he has to bear the extra cost of tolls he will use Aroads because they are just as fast as motorways.
But they impose their own extra costs in wear and tear, says Holmes.
"I use the Severn Bridge for the single reason that it's cheaper," he says, "If I go through Gloucester I'm going to stop and start and burn more diesel."