Taxes and charges on road users (HC 103-i) Transport Committee 17 Dec 2008

Evidence given by:
2.45 The Automobile Association Edmund King, President
Association of British Drivers Malcolm Heymer, Traffic Management Adviser
National Alliance Against Tolls John McGoldrick, Coordinator
Drivers’ Alliance Ltd Peter Roberts, Director
3.45 Campaign for Better Transport Stephen Joseph OBE, Executive Director
Campaign to Protect Rural England Ralph Smyth, Senior Transport Campaigner
Natural England Andrew Wood, Executive Director, Evidence and Policy
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) John Leach, President
Unite the Union Graham Stevenson, National Organiser, Transport Sector

Q65 Mr. David Clelland: You said that [Pay as you go road charging] would be impossible or difficult to implement here. Why?

Mr King: I think it would be very difficult to convince the motoring public that it would be a fair scheme, and I think what would have to be done is that it be removed one step, two steps from government and run by an independent body. I think without that it would be a non-starter.

Q66 Mr. David Clelland: You mean the scheme should be run or the referendum should be run by an independent body?

Mr King: No, the scheme.

This is an uncorrected transcript of evidence taken in public and reported to the House. The transcript has been placed on the internet on the authority of the Committee. Neither witnesses nor Members have had the opportunity to correct the record. The transcript is not yet an approved formal record of these proceedings.

The full transcript may be read here.