Transport Bill — Use of receipts from charging schemes — 10 May 2000

As amended in the Standing Committee, further considered .

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

First, I wish to declare an interest. Hon. Members should be aware of it from the Register of Members' Interests. I am a director of a family business with interests in road haulage and building and which owns property that may be affected by workplace parking. So hon. Members should see any comments that I make on congestion charging or workplace parking within the context of my interest.

He knows there is a problem with gridlock. He knows people must be encouraged to sometimes choose an alternative to the car ...?

it is essential that the revenue raised is ring fenced for transport improvements and that investment in viable transport alternatives for road users takes place before any local charges are introduced. Subject to this, we believe that congestion charging has the potential to secure benefits for transport users.

Moneys collected under a licensing scheme shall be solely and exclusively for the purpose of improving roads and public transport for the benefit of those who are subject to the charge.

solely and exclusively for the purpose of improving roads and public transport for the benefit of those who are subject to the charge,

As mayor, I will have the power to introduce congestion charging. However, while I am not against congestion charging in principle, I do believe that we need to have public transport alternatives in place first; and if we are going to have them, we had better do it properly. Transport experts say that a proper electronic scheme could barely be introduced before the end of the mayor's first term.

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time:--

The House divided: Ayes 129, Noes 376.

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