Tolls could be introduced on the M25 through the “back door”, Conservative MPs have warned.
Shadow transport minister Greg Smith raised concerns that new rules could be used to charge motorists using the motorway that circles London.
But Conservative MPs argue that nowhere in the Bill does it define what constitutes an increase in capacity and this could include relatively small upgrades, such as installing smart motorway cameras or replacing central reservations.
Tolls could be introduced on the M25 through the ‘back door’, Conservative MPs have warned
National Highways
Ministers have insisted that only new big roads will be included in the plans, but Tory MPs said the Government's impact assessment states the sweeping new powers could apply to future major highways investments.
He said: “Why on earth have the Government drafted the Bill in a way that could feasibly allow charges to be imposed simply for using roads beyond the tolls?
“I fear we risk smuggling in charges on drivers through the back door, and are opening the door to the tolling of the M25 and beyond.”
He added: “The Government say that only new big roads will be included, but they have failed to explain why the Bill allows new infrastructure to fall within the scope of tolling.
“The use of the term ‘infrastructure’ may paint a picture of an entirely new road scheme, but what is there to stop it being something as small as a new set of smart motorway cameras?
Ministers have said that road tolls will “remain rare” and the new powers would only be used in exceptional circumstances.
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden
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The Department for Transport (DfT) insisted that the vast majority of roads in England will remain toll-free and, although there will be a charge to use the Lower Thames Crossing, costs will be regulated.
The Bill will ensure that the Lower Thames Crossing, which will connect Kent and Essex via a tunnel beneath the river in a bid to alleviate congestion in Dartford, is not fully funded by the taxpayer and the remaining construction and maintenance costs will be paid for by private investment and road users.
Roads Minister Justin Madders told MPs: “Government policy is that tolling will normally be used only for costly river and estuarial crossings, and nothing in the Bill is set to change that.”
He added: “For too long, drivers have been stuck in traffic while vital road upgrades have been delayed.
“By bringing in private investment, hardworking taxpayers won't be left footing the bill through higher taxes, while major schemes like the Lower Thames Crossing can finally move forward.
“That means less congestion, quicker journeys and a boost for jobs and growth across the country."
But Tory shadow transport secretary Richard Holden said: “The Minister has said that the Bill concerns only existing big toll roads, but we say that that is obviously not the case.
“In fact, motorists all over the country could be forced to stomach another blow to their wallets and to fork out their hard-earned cash, as the Bill’s sweeping powers mean that anything new on the road—a new smart motorway camera, perhaps - can be swiftly followed up with a new toll.”