Need to consult motorists over road charging schemes

Date published: 13/08/2007

Motorists and residents in Rochdale must be given a say over whether road pricing is introduced in Greater Manchester, according to a hard-hitting report published by MPs.

If Government plans go ahead, they will give local authorities the power to ignore the concerns of residents. MPs have branded this plan unacceptable.

MPs on the influential Transport Select Committee also said there was a significant and legitimate concern that road-pricing schemes would intrude into individuals’ privacy and called for safeguards.

Their report urges a series of changes to the Government’s draft local transport bill.

The legislation paves the way for a network of local road pricing schemes.

It would allow Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority to arrange a charging scheme with any of the region’s councils.

But controversially it also scraps the Transport Secretary’s power to order a public consultation into any such future scheme.

This would allow a local authority to press ahead with road pricing without asking motorists or residents their views.

Committee chairman Gwyneth Dunwoody said such consultation was crucial. She said: "Local communities have a right to know what is happening in relation to their own traffic schemes.

"They need to be reassured that schemes are well designed, meet local needs and road users understand why they are being introduced."

Her committee also called for there to be a standardisation of schemes, so that vehicles can be driven from one charging zone to another without having to re-register.

The committee’s report also urges the Government to beef up its plans to hand local authorities London-style powers over buses.

The draft bill gives them the power to force bus companies to bid for strict franchise deals of up to 10 years.

It would give local authorities more control over timetables and ticket prices.