The government's latest plans to introduce road tolls would only be unpopular
with 63% of motorists according to research by car insurer Admiral.
It surveyed over 1,000 motorists and found that only 37% supported any
new road tolls being introduced. However 65% of them said they would use
a toll road if it were quicker than using a free road.
Admiral's research suggests the introduction of road tolls may be initially
unpopular, but depending on the costs involved, would be accepted after
a period of time. It asked motorists how much they would be willing to
pay to use a toll road. 79% said they would pay up to £2.00. 13%
would pay up to £5.00, but only 1% would be willing to pay more
than £5.00. Some commentators have suggested the tolls could be
as much as £1.30 a mile.
Admiral managing director, Jane Stone, said, "This is crunch time
for the government with regards to its plans for road charging. There
are now 30 million private cars on our roads and something has to be done
to prevent gridlock. But at the same time the motoring lobby is a powerful
one and the government doesn't want to alienate them with more taxes.
"Our research suggests that while toll roads would be initially
unpopular, people would accept them in the long term, but only if they
work out less expensive than road tax and fuel duty in the long run."
Another government proposal, to expand congestion charging to other towns
and cities, would be slightly more acceptable to motorists according to
Admiral's research. 41% of the people surveyed said they think more cities
should introduce congestion charging. 41% also said congestion charging
would make them consider using their car less often. But 26% said they
would consider moving house to escape congestion charging in their town.
Jane Stone, said, "The government is going to have to consult motorists
before deciding which route to take with its plans for road charging.
It is a thin line between charging enough to cut congestion and fund road
improvements and upsetting road users who already think they pay enough."
Issue date: 21-07-04
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