M.P.s Split Over Road Tolls Idea
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FROM OUR PARLIAMENTARY CORRESPONDENT
MANY M.P.s are plainly dissatisfied with the Government's road tolls decision. Those who see in the system a useful way of raising money for the roadbuilding programme are disappointed that tolls are not to be imposed on the five major motorway projects already planned.
Their opponents, who believe that the road user is already paying enough, are disturbed that tolls are to continue on some tunnels and bridges, and at the possibility that they will be applied to motorways built later on.
When he announced the Government's conclusion in the Commons last week, Mr. Marples had a cool reception from his own supporters--and a very critical one from the Opposition.
Agreeing that opinion on tolls was fairly equally divided, Mr. Marples said it was not possible to impose them on the major projects already announced, but as far as future motorways were concerned the Government would have "a completely open mind."
A toll was absolutely appropriate in the case of a very expensive tunnel or bridge, and where there were tremendous advantages to be gained by using them.
SCOTTISH CLEARWAY?
THE Secretary of State for Scotland is now consulting the local authorities concerned about the possibility of making part of the Edinburgh-Glasgow trunk road a clearway.
Revealing this in the Commons last week, Mr. Richard Brooman-White, Joint Parliamentary Under Secretary, said the possibility of having clearways on other trunk roads in Scotland was being considered.