A record 64% of the UK's road industry is against Road User Charging as a method of cutting congestion and environmental damage.
This conclusion has emerged from the first major on-line opinion poll conducted amongst trade visitors and exhibitors to Traffex / Parkex.
This web-based opinion poll was carried jointly with Surveyor Magazine and Traffex / Parkex 2007, the international event for transport design, management and maintenance of traffic and highway infrastructure.
The conclusions from industry have been underscored by the fact that 1.8 million UK road users have already sent a strong NO message to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Introduced through tolls and directly to lorries and cars, Road User Charging is increasing in prominence on the Governments transport agenda, with developments such as an expansion in area covered by the London congestion charge. Major cities and EC countries are either considering or adopting the strategy of making the public pay for using the roads.
Steve Norris, President of ITS (UK), comments; “ The Government is not saying that Road User Charging is the sole answer to cutting congestion, but it is taking action towards making the UK more accessible for the driving public and encouraging people to think twice about using their vehicles. One step towards reducing congestion is by improving the standard of public transport, which is currently happening.”
“I am surprised that such a large percentage of people voted against RUC as a long-term solution to managing congestion and emissions, but I do believe that as we are all becoming increasing educated about transportation and in particular, the growing environmental effects, further methods for reducing congestion will become apparent.”
Edmund King, RAC Foundation, says: “A clear majority of motorists are worried about road pricing because we just don’t have enough information about how it will affect our way of life.”
“The Government should consider taking the fear out of road pricing by introducing a voluntary scheme. Motorists who opt into a "UK Drive Time" scheme could have reduced fuel duty, congestion avoidance systems, up-to-date parking information and cheaper insurance.
“Action to avoid gridlock includes better public transport, investment in better and safer roads, and a more intelligent use of the existing network. Road user charging may be a part of this package but can’t be the only solution.”
Traffex is co-located with Parkex International and is being held at NEC, Birmingham’s from 17th -19th April. The exhibition, with over 350 exhibitors, will showcase the latest transport and parking technology that is likely to been used in the UK and Europe in the coming years.
For more information visit: www.traffex.com www.parkex.co.uk
