Lib Dems call for flexible road pricing to tackle traffic hotspots

12.08.24pm GMT Tue 11th Nov 2003

The Liberal Democrats are calling for flexible road pricing using global positioning satellite technology as an alternative to the Mayor of London's proposal to extend his congestion charging scheme into Kensington and Chelsea.

Congestion hot spots could be targeted at specific times, which would be fairer than the Mayor's blanket approach affecting all drivers within the zone during particular hours.

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson said:

"It's time to move into the new century. Road pricing across the whole of Greater London can be used to free up all our snarled-up town centres. It can be flexible and responsive to times and pressure points, without all the cumbersome time-wasting business of phoning-in or paying at petrol stations.

"Central government intends to bring in road pricing for 450,000 trucks and lorries right across UK by the end of 2006. Many haulage firms already manage their fleets by satellite technology. It was good to get congestion charging underway in the central zone, but now it's time to move on and use more sophisticated systems.

"The Kensington and Chelsea proposal will divide the borough in a most unhelpful and unfair way. Liberal Democrats will oppose the Mayor's plans and campaign for a 21st century solution to 21st century problems.

"We have not yet completed a year with the central zone scheme, and the effect on businesses has still to be assessed. Why is the Mayor in such a mad rush?"

ENDS