The Sunday Times has revealed an interesting insight into the government’s thinking over the proposed road charging scheme.
The information came to light in an undercover operation by a reporter into the world of private lobbying firms. Highlighting the close links between current ministers and the senior staff of a particular lobbying agency, the paper reported on a conversation said to have taken place between the current transport minister Stephen Ladyman and a former ministerial aide, Ivan Henderson.
Ladyman is said to have told Henderson that the “pay-per-mile” road charging scheme had been delayed after the support shown against the scheme on a petition. “The transport bill is now going to be delayed until after the local elections in May ... they don’t want that to be an issue before the elections so they’re putting that off, road charging” Ladyman is reported as saying.
The article goes on to quote the minister as highlighting Manchester as the chosen pilot area for the scheme, once things had quietened down.
So what does this tell us? That taking the time to sign a petition on the government’s website was worthwhile after all. And that if there’s a united voice, maybe there is a chance to influence matters. Just expect to have to do it again…
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