Potential plans to introduce road pricing plans on British roads have been given a short shrift by motorists, according to an independent poll by the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD).
The ABD conducted the survey in response to concerns the new Infrastructure Bill which is currently undergoing parliamentary debate, could pave the way for tolls on major road such as the A1 and M25.
"It would be politically unacceptable for the government to privatise our roads and bring in a national road pricing scheme in one go”, said ABD spokesman Nigel Humphries.
“It is now planning to replace the Highways Agency, the government department in charge of these roads, with a company, at first state-owned. This could see the roads carved-up to a number of outsourcing companies, who will be out to make a profit. The Bill worryingly sets up powers to apply a toll."
Of over 1,500 drivers surveyed for the ABD poll, just 13 per cent felt they could afford to pay tolls on roads which are currently free without it affecting their standard of living. Over three-quarters would counter the tolls by using less suitable or minor roads. More than half of drivers said they were against the idea of a private roads management company taking over responsibility for running Britain’s roads, with 64 per cent harbouring concerns that such a company would be able to record their private journeys.
ABD founder-Chairman Brian Gregory issued a direct message to John Hayes, the Government minister in charge of the Highways Agency, “to take an axe to these muddled proposals that will leave millions of drivers worse off. Instead, he should focus on giving drivers the roads we've paid for several times in advance."
“Given that 'Motorway Man' was the key swing voter at the last general election, and no party really won him over, would the government really wish to go against the grain of public opinion in the year before another election?", added an ABD spokesman.
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