-3/01/2008

New Transport Secretary accelerates road pricing plans

Government road pricing plans appear to have moved into the fast lane following the recent Cabinet reshuffle and appointment of Geoff Hoon as Transport Secretary.

He has disclosed that a review of the road and rail network will be published early next year and will include proposals to introduce road tolls on hard shoulders.

Following a hard shoulder running trial on the M42 near Birmingham Mr Hoon’s predecessor Ruth Kelly had already announced plans to extend the use of the congestion-busting idea on a number of motorways across the UK at peak times.

Now, it has emerged that drivers could be charged up to 42p a mile to travel along the hard shoulders. Cars would carry a transponder that fixed to the windscreen. It will be linked to an account held by the motorist and a payment will be deducted each times the vehicle passes an overhead gantry.

Alternatively, the hard shoulders could be opened up free of charge at peak times only or extra toll lanes could be built on some motorways.

In addition, the Government is expected to introduce a system of variable speed limits - known as Active Travel Management - designed to smooth traffic flow.

(Daily Telegraph)
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