Pay as you go for road use - we need the debate.
People are being exhorted to object to the government’s proposals on road use pricing. Surely what we need is a sensible discussion not a kneejerk reaction. We need lots of good ideas on transport - it is an area crying out for innovation. But whenever anyone comes up with a proposal, people pour cold water on it. It is easy to find fault with suggestions. But congestion is a pressing problem and we have to do something (or several things) about it before our economy grinds to a halt.
I will not be signing the petition. It seems to me that pay as you go has some merit and needs to be explored. We ration most scarce things by price - so why not road use at busy times? At the same time we need to put safeguards in place to protect ourselves against intrusive use of the data that is gathered.
My ideas for improving transport and reducing congestion include the following:
1. More roads - yes - more roads with better layouts and more flyovers would help.
2. Better, cheaper, faster public transport.
3. Road usage pricing at peak times to reduce congestion
4. Higher speed limits on motorways and some other roads (faster speeds = shorter journeys = less congestion).
5. The separation of pedestrians and cyclists from motor lanes where possible to reduce accidents and to allow higher speeds.
6. More incentives for home working and home deliveries of shopping - including safe receipt while you are out.
7. A campaign to get children going to school on foot, bicycle or bus.
We need lots of ideas and debate and trials. Not just gut reactions, objections and petitions.
If you disagree or have some other ideas please comment.
Paul Sloane