Monday, February 19, 2007

Newsnight debate on Road Pricing

I think they must have chosen two people (one for, one anti) designed to make those who support or oppose it change their mind when hearing their own argument made. Who was that dreadful man? And who was that awful woman? Then there's that interior designer, who seems to have all the ills of the world on her shoulders.

I was a supporter of the congestion charge extension when I lived in the zone (though I was somewhat concerned about what happened if you were forced to move your car during the day because the parking bays were suspended) and I still support it now I live outside (but on the edge). However I think the critics have some valid points which haven't really been answered.

Most people, despite what you might read in the newspapers, don't drive into Inner London on a weekday. So this is really a bit of a sideshow. Proper road pricing however will affect, at least at some point, most people. I haven't really made my mind up about it. On the one hand, I think congestion is a problem, with much of the costs hidden (by forcing one to change one's habits) and (I think it was David Aaronovitch who pointed out) the motoring campaigners do appear to believe that we are still living in the 1950s. But on the other hand I imagine road pricing will be implemented badly, and I have some qualms, which I can't quite explain, about charging people to move around the country. Also given the supply of roads is essentially fixed I'm not quite sure markets will work as well as everyone seems to think.

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posted by Matthew @ 2/19/2007 10:51:00 PM Comments: 5