Your views on pay-as-you-go motoring
15 June 2005
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| Trevor Bailey |
ROADS could end up being used like phones - with motorists only paying for the amount they use.
But the Government's proposals to charge road users up to £1.34 a mile in a new pay-as-you-go scheme has come under fire from Welwyn Hatfield residents.
Paul Mansell of WGC said it was a bad thing for drivers who were struggling financially.
He said: "It's trying to force drivers who are struggling to keep their car on the road, off the road.
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| Helen Bromley |
"If they are to introduce the idea then they should first create a decent transport policy so people can get the bus if they need to."
Trevor Bailey, of WGC: "It is a bad idea because it's going to cost people more to get to work and the money will only go to the Government anyway.
"It will not help congestion."
Helen Bromley, of WGC said: "Ridiculous idea. Put the money on fuel prices."
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| Swead Shaheed |
And WGC man John Gickest agreed. He said: "People will be paying over the odds for a trip into London or any major city."
The scheme would have a huge effect on people who rely on the road for their jobs, such as hauliers and taxi drivers.
Cabbie Swead Shaheed said: "It's not good. It means we would have to charge our customers more. It doesn't help our business."
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced last week the scheme could be in force as early as 2015.
He claimed nearly half of all motorists would be financially better off as well - as road tax and fuel duty would be scrapped.
The Government's plans did find favour with two people we spoke to.
Gordon Green of Knebworth said: "It is a good idea as it will help the congestion problems, but it will cost drivers more.
"It will help to reduce roads that have to be built."
And Emma Luck, of WGC, said: "It will cut down on the gas-guzzlers, as they will be charged on the amount of road they use."
"It is a good idea but it is not attacking the problem. We need more and better public transport.
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