Road pricing ‘has no role to play’ in Norwich

23 April 2008

Norfolk County Council is the latest authority to decide against submitting a Transport Innovation Fund bid.

A council report concluded that a congestion charge for Norwich would raise enough money to cover its own costs, but not to fund other major transport schemes, which would justify introducing a charge to the public.

‘Continuing the study would require a further funding bid to DfT and additional match-funding of around £200,000 from the county council,’ the report states.

‘It is, therefore, proposed to bring the study to a close, although the complementary measures will continue to be investigated, and other opportunities for funding transport – such as the proposed Community Infrastructure Levy – explored.’

However, it also strengthens the case for a Norwich northern distributor road (NDR). Implementation of the NDR, and an associated package of complementary measures, would be more effective in tackling congestion, and it would be essential for any road-pricing scheme to be effective, the report states.

Adrian Gunson, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: ‘It seems to me that road pricing does not have a part to play at the present time in helping solve transport problems and congestion in and around Norwich, and would not provide resources for boosting public transport provision, or improving congested junctions on the inner and outer ring roads.’

The study cost £500,000, with half from the TIF pump-priming grant, and the remainder from the council. Most of this work would have been necessary, in any case, to support development of the NDR, the council said. The report goes to cabinet on 19 May.

The West Midlands and Tyne and Wear authorities recently pulled out of TIF bidding, in addition to Shropshire. Only Manchester and Cambridgeshire have submitted TIF proposals to the Government, to date.

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Sign In

Road pricing ‘has no role to play’ in Norwich

buying biaxin

ordering clarithromycin

Register now for full access

Login