BBC Lunchtime News main item was today's rise in and extension of London's Congestion Charge, and plans to introduce road pricing into other cities (not yet but in some years time). This news was introduced as something more to "hit" motorists and was accompanied by interviews with drivers complaining about the increased costs of getting to work etc. and yet more tax. Why are such items always presented in such a negative way and why doesn't government do more to emphasise the positive? Four points cry out to be heard:
1. Congestion wastes time and money.
2. It's a vain hope that building more roads could ease congestion long-term (quite apart from the financial, social and environmental costs).
3. Given the distribution of purchasing power, sensible road-use pricing means that those who continue to use the roads will be those who most need to use them and benefit from easing of congestion.
4. It could be emphasised that extra revenues would be used to improve public transport and cut other taxes on driving.