2:11pm Tuesday 20th February 2007
COUNTY MP Stephen Crabb has called on Welsh Assembly Economic Minister Andrew Davies to rule out any road charging schemes in Pembrokeshire.
The call follows statements by Labour ministers that they intend to press ahead with road charging despite a massive demonstration of public opposition through a petition which attracted 1.5 million signatures.
The Government has yet to outline the details of its road pricing scheme, but Mr Crabb said it could force drivers to purchase a vehicle tracking device and could cost the average driver £25 per month.
That could disproportionately affect low income families, rural communities and small businesses, added Mr Crabb.
He went on: "There should be no road charging in Pembrokeshire. In our rural community, the problem is not congestion but a lack of viable public transport alternatives. "Pembrokeshire's drivers are already paying through the nose for fuel and road tax and in most cases have no alternative but to drive to work, the shops or to see family and friends. "Not only would road charging disproportionately burden Pembrokeshire's drivers, it would also cause huge damage to small businesses in a rural areas like ours.
"Many people in Pembrokeshire added their names to the petition that was sent to 10 Downing Street. The message is clear; road charging is not welcome. Ministers in London and Cardiff now need to listen to these views and think long and hard about imposing new cost burdens on rural motorists".
What do you think? Is road charging a good idea? Is it the only way to ease congestion? Or is it just another tax on the motorist? Add your comments below.
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