The government launched a “new dawn” for transport with a white paper that mapped out a big boost for public transport and new charges for motorists.
It proposes giving local authorities the ability to levy charges on workplace parking spaces and on motorists entering crowded city centres. Funds raised will be used to improve bus services, create safer cycle and pedestrian routes to schools, and encourage a shift of freight off the roads and on to rail and water.
The hypothecation of funds is one of the key innovations of the proposed policy. It will mean charges, which will raise some £1bn by 2005-2006 will be redirected back into transport policy.
The government is pumping £1.7bn into the system over the next three years to fund various road and rail projects.
The Times 21/07/98 page 1, page 2, page 10/11, page 18, page 19
The Independent 21/07/98 page 8
Financial Times 21/07/98 page 1, page 11, page 19 (Editorial), page 19 (Observer), page 20 (Lex)
The Daily Telegraph 21/07/98 page 1, page 2, page 8/9, page 21 (Editorial), page 27 (City Comment), page 27, page 29 (City Diary)
The Guardian 21/07/98 page 1, page 8/9, page 14, page 15 (Leader), page 17 (Notebook)
