When first proposed it was suggested that the scheme would be revenue neutral but this aspect seems to have been quietly dropped. In fact it has now been confirmed that in the pilot scheme there will be no offset against existing taxes. The object presumably is to force cars off the road and the effect will be dis-proportionate against those who can least afford the increased costs and those in rural areas where public transport is not an option. There must be a fairer sanction than pricing.
It now seems that the Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander (who is also Secretary of State for Scotland and represents a Scottish constituency) has no power to impose the scheme in Scotland without the agreement of the Scottish Parliament. The same applies to Wales. What happens about visitors from the continent? I do not see how the scheme could work unless it is Europe wide I do not see how the scheme could work unless it is Europe wide --------------------------------- Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
