§ Sir Brian MawhinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by how much he estimates a road toll of(a) £1, (b) £5 and (c) £10 per private car would reduce road traffic; and what is the basis of his estimate. [99924]
§ Mr. Prescott[holding answer 26 November 1999]: The Government are providing powers for local authorities to put forward road user charging schemes if they think these are appropriate to deal with traffic management locally. The Secretary of State will not approve any congestion charging scheme unless: public transport has been improved first to offer motorists choice, before charging sets starts; local people have been consulted; it is clear that all proceeds will be put into improving local transport; and the appropriate technology will be in place to make it work.
The impact of road user charges on road traffic will vary accordingly to a number of factors including location, prevailing road and traffic conditions and the complimentary traffic and wider transport measures introduced alongside charges.