Multi-modal Studies (Hansard, 24 May 2002)

§ Mr. Byers

I have today written to the Chair of each Regional Planning Body in the following terms.

I am writing about two issues relating to the handling of decisions on the recommended strategies which are now being produced by the multi-modal studies. These are the assumptions to be made about the possible future introduction of road user charging and the timetable for the submission to Ministers of RPB advice on study recommendations. I know that a number of multi-modal studies have been looking at the possible effects of distance based user charging on the inter-urban road network. As we set out in the 10 Year Plan for Transport, no decision on the role of charging in reducing congestion on the inter-urban network has been taken. As a practical matter, the hurdles involved in developing and testing the technology necessary to implement inter-urban road charging for cars and introducing it to 26 million private cars mean that it is extremely unlikely to be possible to introduce it before the end of this decade. This will also allow time to build experience with the distance charging system and associated technology for lorries. And it will provide time to continue the improvements in transport facilities and public transport for which the 10-year plan provides. Given the practical considerations, we do not believe that a system of road user charging for cars could be introduced this decade; accordingly the Government has no plans to do so. However, this is a subject where further work and research is needed and we will revisit it when sufficient progress has been made in clarifying the technical and practical issues involved. In the meantime, we note the arguments put forward by the Commission for Integrated Transport, RAC and others in favour of inter-urban charging, and others against, and are listening to the debate. As a consequence, the study recommendations should build in flexibility as to what should be done now given that we do not believe that a system of road user charging for cars could be introduced this decade and that no decisions have been made about the longer term introduction of road user charging. My Department will be re-emphasising this to the study teams. On the second issue, we have always recognised that before the Government takes decisions on the recommendations from the multi-modal studies it is important to have advice from Regional Planning Bodies on the way in which the recommendations fit with, and will contribute to, the Regional Transport Strategy and Regional Planning Guidance. However, it is also important to recognise that the studies have taken up to two years to produce their recommendations; that they have addressed the key issues in considerable detail in close consultation with local and regional interests; and that the Regional Planning Bodies have been represented on the study steering groups. This being the case, I believe that it is essential that we make decisions on the study recommendations, and start to resolve the problems on the transport network, as quickly as possible. I understand that, in the case of a number of studies, the Regional Planning Bodies are planning to take as long as six months to consider the study recommendations and submit advice to the Government. Since the Planning Bodies will have developed a good understanding of the key issues during the study process, I am not convinced that it is necessary to take this length of time to produce sound advice. I should therefore be grateful if, from now on, Regional Planning Bodies could normally aim to provide advice to Government within three months of receiving each study's recommendations. I realise that in some cases this may necessitate re-timing meetings of the full RPB. Nevertheless, given the need to maintain momentum in delivering the 10 Year Plan for Transport, I must ask you to do this where it is necessary to meet the three month deadline. On the timetable I have acknowledged the particular difficulty faced by the West Midlands RPB who are currently consulting on their regional planning guidance.