§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he has given to the introduction of road pricing schemes in order to reduce traffic levels in city centres; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeLast year my right hon. and learned Friend announced a wide ranging study into urban congestion, its causes and cures including a specific research programme into the potential for road pricing in London. On 24 October he announced the appointment of Programme Consultants for the London programme and work started on 2 November. It will take about two and a half years. Outside London it is for local highway authorities to consider. Cambridge is developing specific proposals, and others, such as Edinburgh and Oxford, are examining the general implications. My Department and the Scottish Office are keeping in touch with these studies. My right hon. and learned Friend made it clear in his original announcement that the Government have an open mind on the desirability of urban road pricing and will await the results of the research before making a decision.