§ Lord Marlesfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, as part of the review of options for the control of public spending, they will arrange for a study to be made of the possibility of introducing tolls on the M.25 so as to provide for a standard charge of £5 for use of any part of that motorway, regardless of distance, between the hours of 6 am and midnight, with free access at other times and an annual £250 season ticket for unlimited use, thus reducing the present congestion on that road and obviating the need for further road works to expand its capacity.
The Earl of CaithnessThe introduction of direct charging for the use of the M.25, or any other existing motorway, would require primary legislation. On 26th May we published a Green PaperPaying for Better Motorways (CM 2200) in order to encourage a vigorous and informed debate on the principle of motorway charging and the practical issues to which it gives rise. Research summarised in the Green Paper suggests that charging at the levels proposed by my noble friend would cause substantial diversion of traffic on to local roads.