Should We Be Charged for Driving in Newcastle?
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Recently, there has been a lot of controversy regarding the introduction of bus lanes in Newcastle, with hundreds of drivers receiving fines for using the wrong lane. Now, bus operators want to charge drivers to use the roads in Newcastle, implementing a similar system to the one used in London.
Both Arriva and Stagecoach have suggested such changes, submitting a proposal to the House of Commons Transport Committee.
In its written submission, Arriva told the committee:
“London’s Congestion Charge has helped to facilitate a significant modal shift of people from cars to buses. Other cities should look at the experience of London in developing road pricing measures as part of a holistic anti-congestion strategy.
“Schemes such as workplace parking levies can deliver sizeable improvements to journey times in urban centres. Nottingham’s Workplace Parking Levy, which has placed a modest charge upon the use of commuter parking places, has proven particularly effective in reducing traffic levels and raising revenue for further transport improvements.
“The scheme’s success is due, in part, to the fact that any proceeds are invested directly back into public transport in the region. This in turn has encouraged people to make the modal shift from using their cars to using public transport.
“More local authorities should adopt workplace parking levies to help manage road space and contribute to the further development of integrated public transport solutions.”
In an attempt to minimise congestion, the Transport Committee is researching ways to manage traffic, and so this will certainly be considered alongside other proposals. Towards the end of the year, they will be publishing a report on their findings.
What do you think? Should we pay to travel into Newcastle?