Government considers motorway tolls

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

M1, M6 and M40 could have tolls
Government is considering toll options
Urban congestion charge schemes gathering pace

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British motorists could pay tolls to use the busiest motorways as part of the latest anti-congestion scheme under consideration by the Government.

In a report called 'Towards a Sustainable Transport System', Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly suggested that the Government was considering schemes to charge motorists using the M1, M6 and the M40 motorways that link London, Birmingham and Manchester.

The report identifies that these roads are central to transport policy for future years both on environmental and economic grounds.

Potential schemes include widening the motorways, actively managing traffic, road pricing and improving the rail links between the areas, possibly using a high-speed, 200mph railway line.

Nationwide road charging is ruled out in the document, although urban schemes are considered likely in congested areas.

Manchester and Cambridge have already submitted applications to the Department of Transport seeking funding for congestion charging schemes, while eight more cities, including Bristol, are thought to be preparing proposals.

'Urban congestion charging backed by investment in public transport is our priority,' says the document.

No timescale for the possible introduction of tolls on the motorways has been set.