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News Release 9th December 2003M6 TOLL SHOULD NOT BE AN EXCUSE FOR CHARGING ON ALL MOTORWAYSMichael Fabricant has welcomed the opening of the M6 Toll Road, but says this should not be an excuse for general charging on all motorways. "I congratulate MEL and the contractors who constructed the M6 Toll Road so very quickly" says Michael Fabricant. "I am convinced this will lead to extra tourism and business for Lichfield and Burntwood which have been somewhat cut-off from the motorway system in the past. "But this should not now be used by the Transport Secretary as an excuse to impose yet another stealth tax on motorists by charging for motorways generally. If he does go in this direction, he should charge ALL road users including heavy trucks which come in from Europe. They fill up with cheap fuel in France, can travel to Scotland and back into continental Europe without ever filling up in Britain or paying any taxes in Britain despite wear and tear on British roads. This is unfair competition to British hauliers. As compensation, British road tax for cars and commercial vehicles should be slashed accordingly if not abolished completely. "Any plans by Labour to introduce road charging should not become yet another stealth tax on the already hard pressed motorist who has to pay the highest fuel prices in Europe - possibly the highest in the world" adds Michael. |
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