Young Driver
Public support for road pricing wanes
Mon, 20 Mar 2006
Drivers are steering away from road pricing, according to a new survey.
The RAC Foundation has found the number of drivers who support a system of road pricing to replace fuel and car tax has reduced.
David Holmes, the foundation's chairman, said: "Motorists struggle every day with rising congestion and every time they fill their tank, high fuel prices dent their wallets.
"Many of them recognise that road pricing could be one of the weapons for tackling congestion, but they are worried about the impact of charges on their own work and family journeys.
"They do not trust governments to operate charging fairly."
He added that the study showed scepticism is increasing over such a pricing system and urged the government to take a stronger lead.
Mr Holmes said: "If the motorist is to be won over, government needs to demonstrate that pricing will be part of the solution to their needs, along with investment to make the roads better and safer, and not just another means to raise money and price them off the roads.
"There has to be an open dialogue with motorists, whose support is essential."
The one age group that showed some willingness to pay road charges were young drivers.
Paying for the time spent on the road, and on congested roads in particular, could help young drivers cut down on the expense of motoring, along with a good value young driver car insurance policy.
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