CONGESTION CHARGING MUST NOT PENALISE RURAL BRITAIN - THURSO

Commenting on the recommendations by the Institute for Public Policy Research to extend congestion charging across the country, John Thurso MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, said:

"This is an interesting contribution to the debate.

"Those who have access to good public transport can and should be expected to pay more for choosing to use their cars. Charging will go a long way to stopping our cities being choked by congestion.

"But a system where low mileage is rewarded will penalise those in rural areas, who have no alternative transportation.

"What Britain needs is a safe, reliable and affordable public transport system everywhere, and a charging system which reflects need."