So, there's now over one million signatures on the road charging petition. But will that stop the government from going ahead with the scheme? Did it stop Tony Blair going ahead with invading Iraq when over one million people marched through the streets of London - NO.Why would the government listen to anything the public say? after all, it' not as if our democracy system really works is it?! Gone are the days of listening to the voters, who actually put them in power!
Tony Blair's argument is that if nothing is done, road congestion will increase by 25% in ten years. Why doesn't he make the railways and buses cheaper and more efficient then? In my opinion, the worst move they ever made was to privatise the railways -it seems the fares are continually rising with no sign of any improvements. I once had to work in Bristol and to travel there daily would cost me £113! I nearly fainted.
The whole road charging scheme is a secret ploy to monitor our every movement. Big brother will be watching. They call it a surveillance system that will track our vehicle so they can monitor our way to work. But surely that means - our route to our personal life! Soon you won't be able to do anything in this country.
I agree with trying to cut down congestion but really don't believe this is the way to do it. We pay enough in road tax and petrol already. This is just another tax the government want to introduce to get us to pay more of our hard-earned cash to subsidise their holidays!
What about the single mums who have to take their children to different schools and are barely struggling to survive. How are they going to afford an extra £30 (approx) a month? The only people I can see it benefiting are the businessmen in their company cars who won't have to put their hands in their pocket, but they'll get to work in quicker time.
Why not encourage companies to offer more flexi-time? That way less people will be driving at peak times. Or put the driving age up to 18 - introduce tests for the elderly who drive too slow and are a hazard. It's bad enough the congestion charge has just been extended to another zone. Soon we won't be able to drive anywhere or do anything without having to pay. Will our wages go up to compensate for the extra charge? will our road tax and insurance be reduced?
So come on Mr Blair, listen to public and give the people of Britain a break....
