Congestion takes a toll as firms back road pricing

29 November 2006
 
Almost half of businesses would back road-user charging if it replaced fuel duty, according to a survey of British Chambers of Commerce members.
In a surprise finding, a clear majority of businesses in Wales (64%), the Southwest (60%), and the East Midlands (58%) were now prepared to support charging – with backing also coming from the transport distribution (62%) and retail/wholesale (57%) sectors.
David Frost, director general of the chambers, described the finding as ‘remarkable’, and showed that ‘congestion has reached such a level that businesses are willing to consider road pricing, something unthinkable just a short while ago’. Eighty per cent of those questioned believed that congestion affected their bottom line.
The British Chambers of Commerce represents a broad cross section of businesses, including a large number of smaller businesses, which have tended to be presented as more sceptical of charging in areas such as London.
But firms were clear that support would come with caveats: 42% said it should replace road tax; 41% said significant improvements would need to be made to public transport; 35% said road capacity should be improved. Only 13% would not support charging ‘in any circumstances’.
The BCC is now calling on ministers to guarantee that any additional revenue raised by road pricing is kept separate from general transport expenditure and used to improve roads and public transport.
This is despite the fact that firms surveyed were sceptical that the Government could design a scheme which would reduce congestion and not add to the administrative burden of businesses.

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