Talking Point - Transport
Created | Updated Aug 9, 2007
When Peter Roberts from Telford put his petition on the Downing Street website earlier this year, he could have had little idea of the uproar he would create. His campaign against road tolls generated over a million signatures and caused the website to go into meltdown, demonstrating the high feeling running against pay as you go motoring.
The problem is more of us want to get to more places than ever before. Downing Street insists it has to do something. It predicts congestion to increase 40% by 2025. To allow it to go unchecked, it adds, is bad for business and the environment.
Caring for the environment has led to flight taxes doubling in the UK. The extra money raised is said to be going into improving public transport.
Rail fares in the UK are now the third highest in Europe. Yet, in some parts of the country, it's barely possible to catch a train at all. If you want to go to Denton in South Manchester, better make sure you want to stay there; it's not possible to travel back. One train a week runs in one direction only. Brigg in Lincolnshire fares slightly better; it has three trains (but only on Saturdays).
We spend 15% of our disposable income on transport. Douglas Alexander said in January 2007:1
The UK is a relatively lightly-taxed economy and if we want to see the kind of investment that's needed in our public infrastructure, then we're going to have to pay for it. We're going to have to pay for it as taxpayers or as fare-payers.
Do you agree with Douglas Alexander?
If it was in your power, what would you do about the transport situation?
What methods of transport do you use the most?
Do you use that option because you choose to, or because you haven't a choice?
London is pretty well connected when it comes to public transport. Is public transport an option where you live?
Have you benefited from improved transport facilities in your area?
Would you be willing to pay more for a better transport system?
If you’re outside the UK, what' the transport system like where you are?
Do higher taxes on flights really deter people from making their journeys – or will it lead to the rich being able to fly while the poor stay at home?
