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November 22 2011

MEP Mike Nattrass, who for years warned that pay-as-you go travel could become a reality on British roads, has attacked Government moves which could lead to the introduction of toll lanes on our motorways.

 

The UKIP West Midlands MEP, who is a member of the EU’s Transport & Tourism Committee, has this week hit out at out of touch ministers who are considering the introduction of toll lanes as part of the Government’s so-called ‘growth review’.

 

Toll lanes could be built by private contractors and added to existing roads under the drive which the Con-Dem coalition claim will boost the British economy and tackle congestion.

 

But, commenting on the toll lanes plan this week, Mike Nattrass said British roads should remain in public ownership.

 

Critics fear the move would lead to the development of fat cat fast lanes and a two-tier road network.

 

Mike Nattrass commented: “The Government is clearly out of touch with the British public many of whom will be unable to afford to use these toll lanes which will instead be used by wealthy motorists.

 

“Recent history shows British roads should remain in public ownership. In the West Midlands the M6 Toll has proved to be a costly white elephant which is losing money hand over fist.

 

“In the summer, Midland Expressway, the private company that runs the M6 Toll, posted £49 million losses. Every year fares to use the road soar which in turn prices more motorists off the route and onto congested such as the A5.

 

“The failure of the M6 Toll shows our roads should remain in public ownership but the EU, as part of its European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) Directive, wants to extend the toll network.

 

“It is clear from HS2 and now this Toll Lanes idea the Government is creating a transport network for the wealthy. Motorists are already paying a heavy price to use British roads as it is.

 

“The Government wants to resuscitate the British economy but I fear it will instead suffocate it,” he added.