Road Pricing Only Way To Curb Congestion

5.40.27pm GMT Fri 21st Jan 2005

Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, John Thurso MP, today outlined long term plans for the abolition of fuel and road taxation in favour of road pricing.

In a breakfast meeting attended by key players in the transport industry, John Thurso said: "The Government's schemes for toll roads and superhighways demonstrate the futility of trying to build our way out of congestion. Instead, we should be moving from indiscriminate car tax and fuel tax towards targeted taxation of car use through national road pricing.

Looking at the wider transport issues, John Thurso said: "The endemic short-term approach of successive governments has led to environmentally unfriendly policies that have acted as a serious barrier to economic growth. They are also deeply unfair to motorists.

"A proper and integrated approach to transport is now needed. For example, a high speed north to south rail link could lead to a reduction in emission-heavy short haul flights and take pressure of local and regional railways. This may take years but feasibility studies are needed now.

"We need long-term solutions before we find that congestion brings Britain to a standstill."

ENDS

Notes to editor

For more information on Business Forum activities please contact Courtney Cooke on 020 7227 1343.

1) Lord Thurso spoke at the meeting of the Liberal Democrat Business Forum which included representatives from Shell, the Airport Operators Association and British Airways.