Assembly will get congestion charge powers

Nov 9, 2007

Steve Bagnall, Daily Post

CONGESTION charging could be introduced on North Wales’ busiest roads under new powers set to be handed over to the Welsh Assembly.

The Government published its Local Transport Bill yesterday, which includes provision for Cardiff Bay to introduce its own controversial pay-as-you drive scheme on major roads across the country.

Motorists could be charged for using main link routes such as the A55 and A483 with AMs having the final say over what level the fees were set at and if they would be based on time of day, distance travelled and the size of vehicle.

Stuart Cole, Professor of Transport at the University of Glamorgan, said: “The A55, to all intents and purposes, is a motorway quality road and the A483 is frequently referred to during traffic bulletins.

“They could both be candidates.

“But you have to work out what the problem is and it is about trying to get people out of their cars.

“It makes far more sense for the Assembly in Cardiff to sort out the transport problems in Wales than Westminster, where they try to solve issues with a London-style solution.”

The Assembly already has a number of powers over transport in Wales but yesterday’s proposals does not mean the government has to introduce tolls.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas said: “The right type of road charging is a good idea.

“Incentivising people to use busy roads at quieter times can work, but we must not have a flat rate toll road system.

“But it also requires investment in public services, such as the Wrexham to Liverpool line.”

But the Tories were critical of road charging schemes.

Shadow transport minister Stephen Hammond said: ‘We’re calling on ministers to be up front about the finances raised from local road pricing.

“Proceeds need to stay local and be ring fenced for transport improvements and initiatives.

“We won’t accept another stealth tax on the motorist,” Mr Hammond added.