Copy of letter to Secretary of State for
Transport from J M Locke
Dear Sir,
Raising Revenue on the Motorways
I have, for a number of years thought that the
very simple method adopted in Switzerland for charging for use
of their motorway system has much to commend it. Indeed, a few
years ago I wrote to the previous administration making the same
point but unfortunately, did not receive any acknowledgement.
With the change of Government, and at a time when the country
needs all the revenue it can receive, I thought I should try again
to put my point across.
Basically, to gain access to the Swiss motorway
system, whether for 12 months or just visiting for a day, one
must buy a vignette which is securely adhered to the vehicle windscreen.
The vignette used to cost 40 Swiss francs and lasts for 12 months.
These are purchased away from the motorway system, at post offices,
and if a driver is caught on the motorway without displaying a
current vignette he is fined heavily.
I see this system as having numerous advantages,
and no disadvantages.
1. It would mean that visitors to the U.K. would
share in the cost of wear and tear of the motorways, unlike the
present system where are motorways are free to all, including
visitors to the UK.
2. No toll booths are necessary, with their consequent
slowing down of traffic flow.
3. The scheme would help to bring revenue to
our ailing post office network.
4. Compared with the cost of motorway tolls in
France, 40 Swiss francs (approximately £25) for a year's
use is cheap. Even for a short holiday visit, the payment represents
good value, (as I found out personally when all I was doing was
passing through Switzerland twice, to and from a holiday in Italy).
July 2010
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