In a recent poll by BPRI in the UK, 57% of MPs say that a national road pricing policy will help reduce congestion. MPs believe that the London congestion charge has been effective in reducing traffic and are now backing the idea that it should be extended nationally.
Not only that but nearly half say that road pricing will help stimulate growth in public transport - further adding weight to the idea that it will spread beyond the capital.
However, backbench MPs are concerned that road pricing will have a negative impact on business. Less than a quarter think it won't while the rest either think it will or are unsure of the outcome. According to Anna McAvoy, BPRI's senior researcher in charge of parliamentary surveys, all the signs are that road pricing will be welcomed by MPs. Now it is a matter of time and how it is implemented.
It is argued by some that the way to reduce traffic congestion is to build more roads. BPRI asked MPs whether six lane motorways would reduce congestion and whether they would be detrimental to the environment. 40% of MPs believe that six lane motorways would reduce congestion, while 30% think it would not and the rest had no view. What the majority did agree on was that motorways with six lanes would be environmentally unfriendly.
Although British MPs are concerned about the environment and congestion and are concerned that some polices to reduce congestion will hit business, it remains highly likely national road pricing is on its way.
The research was conducted using BPRIs Political Opinion Panel. 100 MPs were interviewed during April and May 2004.
