Transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick has refused to clarify the
government’s position on the introduction of road pricing.

Asked yesterday at the Fleet Business Show in London whether a
national road pricing strategy was back on the agenda, Fitzpatrick
mentioned the London Congestion Charge and the local trials taking
place in Manchester and Cambridge, but when pressed on the matter,
said only: “There is nothing further to say on that.”

The minister’s silence on what fleets and other road-users can
expect is perhaps a reflection of the government’s internal
confusion on the subject of road pricing. While recent
environmental reports have recommended the introduction of road
pricing as a way of curbing private car use, Ruth Kelly made
headlines in early March when she appeared to put the concept of
national road pricing on ice.
Kelly’s U-turn came after a petition on the Number 10 website
against road pricing attracted over 1.8m signatures. Fitzpatrick’s
latest refusal to set out government plans will only add to the
confusion surrounding the issue.

 Motor Finance Issue: 43 – May 08
by Jo Tacon ,
Published for the web: May 27 08 10:33
Last Updated: May 27 08 10:33