Research commissioned by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has found that extending the London congestion charge across England would raise £16bn a year.
That is £3bn more than the government spent on transport in the last financial year. It would cut road traffic by 7% and increase bus travel by more than 11%.
The Financial Times says the government is warming to the idea of congestion charging.
The Guardian says the report will put ministers under pressure to introduce a national charge.
The Times says Alistair Darling, transport secretary, has appointed a panel to consider how national tolls could be introduced after 2010.
The IPPR’s report, entitled Putting the Brakes on Climate Change, finds favour with per-mile charging and suggests a level of 14p on urban roads and motorways.
References: Financial Times 14/10/03 page 8, The Guardian 14/10/03 page 6, The Times 14/10/03 page 1, page 12
