Stakeholder views on road pricing
We asked a number of groups with different points of view to give their opinions on how best to tackle road congestion. These views are their own and are presented here unedited to help inform the debate.
Paul Watters, Head of Public Affairs, The Automobile Association
AA Public Affairs provides expert knowledge and advice on transport issues, which are respected by AA members, the public, safety experts and the Government.
Read Paul Watters' views
At the start of 2007 the AA asked a representative sample of British motorists what their main motoring concerns are. More than 82 per cent highlighted 'the cost of motoring'.
This is not surprising given that transport, and in particular motoring, is by far the largest item of household expenditure, at over £240 per month. People are therefore rightly concerned about any new additional financial burden being imposed on their motoring, especially when the details are so unclear.
Drivers already pay vehicle excise duty, fuel duty plus VAT for every mile they travel, and in recent years they have been faced with the highest ever fuel prices.
Many say that they already pay more than enough, particularly when they sit in traffic jams and travel on poor quality roads. Others say something must be done about congestion and the lack of investment, and rationing road use by price may be the only solution.
The AA says motorists are understandably very confused about road pricing and what it would mean to them and their families. Some already pay more on top of their motoring tax without much complaint, for example on the M6 toll (for an easier journey) or in London (where everyone knows congestion is serious and good public transport exists). However, the motoring public remains to be convinced that going any further with charging will be good for Britain - so the AA also needs to be convinced.
If congestion can be eased and investment improved by a fair and totally transparent realignment of how we pay for our motoring, it is worth serious discussion. The AA will contribute to that debate and work to ensure that clarity and honesty overcomes myth and speculation.
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