Lib Dems back emissions-based road charge

04 June 2008

The Liberal Democrats would introduce emissions-based road-user charging on motorways and trunk roads within 10 years of entering government.

Under new transport policies announced this week, the Lib Dems also pledged to make it easier for local authorities to roll out 20mph zones, and give more powers to Integrated Transport Authorities – formerly Passenger Transport Authorities – to control local bus matters.

The party proposed a revenue neutral, ‘tag and beacon’ RUC scheme, with revenue used to remove vehicle excise duty and reduce fuel duty.

Prior to launching a national scheme, ‘significant investment’ would be injected into public transport, and a lorry road-charging scheme would be introduced on a pay-per-mile basis, varying according to emissions. To allay concerns over security, a ‘privacy guarantee’ would be provided to motorists by separating any personal details held from journey details. Such security measures are in operation in countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

Lib Dem shadow transport secretary, Norman Baker, insisted it was an ‘emissions charge’ rather than a congestion charge. ‘We estimate the average driver would pay 8p per kilometre, but drivers of electric vehicles would pay nothing,’ he told Surveyor. He also said a Lib Dem Government would make it easier for local authorities to introduce 20mph zones in residential areas.

The rules would be eased so 20mph zones would not have to be self-enforcing, and councils wouldn’t need to demonstrate that traffic had slowed down. ‘In many rural areas, where there is not streetlighting, it is currently not possible to reduce the speed limit because of these demands,’ he said. ‘But the will is there.’ There should be a presumption of 20mph zones on non-through roads, he added, which would reduce the need for costly signage.

Elsewhere, ITAs would have control over the local strategic highway network and responsibility for regional transport plans, drawing powers down from Regional Development Agencies. They would also be encouraged to adopt a London-style concession and franchise model in order to gain an income stream against which to borrow and finance future improvements. The Lib Dems also pledged to reform the formula for funding national concessionary bus fares.

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