§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authorities currently piloting congestion charging schemes; and what plans he has for extending such trials. [12990]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAn experiment funded by my Department is under way in Leicester. This is a research project using volunteers. Compulsory charging could not be undertaken, even on a trial basis, without new primary legislation. Whether to introduce such legislation, and whether to facilitate further experimental schemes, are issues that the Government are considering as part of the preparation for the integrated transport policy White Paper.