Congestion and road pricing

This section of the website contains information about congestion and the Government's work to explore road pricing.

Congestion is a growing problem that affects us all. It causes frustration for people caught in traffic jams and is bad for business. Even with the measures Government is already taking it will get worse without further action. Despite over £140 billion of planned central government transport investment over the 10 years up to 2015, on current trends congestion could get 25% worse. This is why in 2005 the Government called for a national debate on road pricing.

Doing nothing is not an option. So the Government, in the first instance, is working with interested local authorities to bring forward local pricing pilot schemes to tackle local congestion problems. Any scheme will include a package of measures including significant investment in public transport to provide viable alternatives to those who want to use them.

It is only on the evidence we get from these existing schemes that any decision on national road pricing would be made. The Government is not rushing into this; we have always said we would need to see how it would work in practice first.

There are many myths about road pricing. This part of the website sets out the facts and figures. It explains what the Government is actually doing now. The aim is to support an informed debate about the merits - and challenges - involved in exploring road pricing.

If you find your concerns or questions aren't answered on this site, or you have ideas that aren't covered, then do join one of the series of web-chats Dr Stephen Ladyman, Minister for Roads, will be hosting over the coming months. Follow the link below for details.