Lifting or reimbursing tolls when traffic congestion within the control of authorities builds up is a system successfully introduced in Italy. And could see its way into UK according to Automobile Association (AA).
Italian drivers delayed between one and two hours receive 50 per cent of their toll payments back from government. Those stuck for more than three hours receive total reimbursement of their fees.
Italian road authorities are incentivised to avoid putting out stretches of cones for extended periods because drivers can claim a full refund for being banned from stretches of toll road when there aren’t any roadworks present.
GLTN’s draft transport manifesto — prepared for Reform UK and published at last September’s party conference Never on a Sunday – suggests the maximum length of coned off motorway be 5 miles – putting a stop to the mile upon mile of road that’s subject to an up to 50 mph speed limit, particularly when there’s no roadworks happening, with fines for anyone who exceeds that by 10 per cent +2 mph or more.
The most congested part of UK’s road network is Dartford Crossing that costs £3.50 one way during peak hours. A Department for Transport (DafT) spokesperson told GLTN: “Charges were increased last September to keep the crossing safe and running smoothly, as it’s now being used by far more vehicles each day than it was built for.
“Every penny of the Dart Charge is re-invested in transport projects, including those benefitting people across Essex and Kent such as supporting the Lower Thames Crossing – now in DafT’s spending programme – needed to relieve the constant nose-to-tail queues of traffic crossing the Thames.” Up to 180,000 vehicles per day use the crossings’ two tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, whereas its design capacity was only for 135,000 vehicles.
The Telegraph has revealed the crossing has cost motorists a record-breaking £189 million over the past year – a figure which jumped by £50 million, or 35 per cent, from the year before. Part of the increase in toll income was driven by then minister for transport Louise Haigh raising the crossing toll by 40 per cent for car drivers last September, another twist in Labour’s war against the motorist that has to put up with having to pay more for less.
The AA’s Edmund King said: “If drivers are forced to pay a charge to use Dartford crossings, then it’s only fair the charge should be lifted if delays are caused by road works, or highway authorities not clearing incidents within a set time. Otherwise, drivers are paying ‘money for nothing’ and getting no value from their payment,” he continued, calling on government to deliver a ‘fair deal’ for motorists.
King argues that money given to government by drivers for using Dartford crossing is arguably a payment in exchange for a service. In 2009, Karen Dunnell, then national statistician, explained to the House of Commons transport committee that “bridge toll charges are payments made for vehicles to use the roads within a defined zone”, adding that these are “therefore classified as payments for a service”.
ENDS
Author Richard Town is a former GLC councillor and metropolitan police driver. He writes here on behalf of The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD).
For all media enquiries, contact Paul Naylor on 07914 304 504 or email paul@mediaandyou.co.uk
Notes: Founded in 1992, the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) is the leading organisation promoting the interests and concerns of drivers in the United Kingdom.
The UK has over 37 million drivers – that is a majority; we should stop tolerating the way we are treated by the government and local councils.
Cars, vans and taxis account for 80% of the mileage of all trips in the UK, and over 65% of goods being carried by road. The road network, and the people who use it, are of vital importance to the nation’s economy. Drivers should expect the road network to be improved and maintained to a standard that is fit for purpose. They should be able to use the roads in a safe and responsible manner without being subject to unreasonable charges, restrictions or penalties.
