US : Investor protection = driver misery....

[neil.b]

Interesting story. Local governments in Colorado have agreed to deliberately impede traffic on existing highways near a toll road in order to protect the toll roads' investors, despite much (independent) evidence that hindering traffic brings economic harm to the area.

http://www.unbossed.com/index.php?itemid=318

[MILF]

One small chink in the argument if such a plan was to be implemented here.

We already know that the Government spends bugger all on the roads in the first instance, regardless as to whether a toll road is or will be built close by !

[neil.b]

True but where there's money and vested interest involved, stupid government policy is universal.

As we all know.

[dazren]

A disgrace.

I imagine speed enforcement has been increased on Tower Road, so it's a win win alround. The toll company and the local council are rolling in money.

I can't believe the locals are putting up with it?

Having said that, this sort of crap is similar to the traffic light adjustments screwing up traffic flow in London. Deliberately done to support fleecing people with the congestion charge.

DAZ

>> Edited by dazren on Thursday 18th August 13:15

[catso]

Well at least they're honest about their intentions and don't dress it up as a safety issue.

[james_j]

neil.b said:

Interesting story. Local governments in Colorado have agreed to deliberately impede traffic on existing highways near a toll road in order to protect the toll roads' investors, despite much (independent) evidence that hindering traffic brings economic harm to the area. www.unbossed.com/index.php?itemid=318

That is, of course exactly what happens in the UK; i.e. underinvest in roads and then say "there is a solution, a toll road". Gee, thanks. Are they d1ckheads or what, who's stupid enough to fall for such cr@p? OK, I know, they don't give a damn who has or hasn't sussed them out.

[targarama]

Unbelieveable.

I use E470 every time I go from DIA to our office in Broomfield. Convenient, and usually empty. The thing is, it's that 'spooky so where is the speed trap then' kind of empty.

At least the part of road I've used doesn't go through any areas of beauty/interest. It's the middle of nowhere in high deserty scrubland basically.

[bluepolarbear]

Already happens here on the M6 Toll

1) 6 month roadworks on the M6 immediately after it opened.

2) All signage re-done to direct you to the M6 Toll and not the free M6