Tories slam road pricing plan that would affect haulage drivers
Date: 15 November 2007
The Conservatives are concerned at the government's move towards road pricing, which will affect freight haulage drivers.
Speaking to ministers, Lord Taylor of Holbeach said the government "will not have support from these benches for road pricing" in some urban areas outside London, 24dash reports.
"We will scrutinise this part of the Bill very carefully to make sure that it doesn't extend by stealth to 'spy-in-the-sky' national road pricing," he said.
He was referring to the Local Transport Bill, which could remove the need for local authorities to seek approval from the government before implementing congestion charging schemes. These plans would mean that freight haulage firms would have to pay a daily charge to enter some city centres.
Lord Taylor stressed that local people, such as logistics company managers, would have to be considered by councils.
"We support the idea of reform, but there needs to be a proper safeguard for local interests," he said.
"There is a need for balance, a need for local people to be involved, a need for local people, indeed, to be part of the decision."
Haulage drivers in London will face a new restrictive area from next year in the form of a low emission zone. They will need to ensure their freight haulage vehicles meet certain emission standards to avoid paying a hefty fine.
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