Proposals For Cambs Traffic

17 January 2011, 14:06 | Updated: 17 January 2011, 15:49

A Cambridgeshire councillor is suggesting that drivers pay a levy to drive on roads in the county.

Independent Councillor Nichola Harrison [pictured - right] believes the money could then be used to pay for better roads and public transport.

The scheme is being called "Charge & Spend".

It would mean the introduction of road tolls, where drivers pay between £3 and £30 per week to drive on Cambridgeshire's roads, depending on how far they travel.

The scheme would be monitored by meters fitted inside vehicles and cameras.

Councillor Harrison said: "Charge & Spend is a pro-motoring plan, delivering huge benefits for motorists - a safe, modernised, well-maintained, less congested road network, plus the choice to use fantastic, subsidised public and community transport .

In addition, many motorists will gain financially by opting into offers like Pay-as-you-drive car insurance, which could save money for many motorists.

When a lot of individual people each pay a modest charge, it’s possible to raise a great deal of money that will give us a world class local transport system."

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Roy Pegram, Cabinet Member for Growth, Infrastructure and Strategic Planning, said: "We are always open to new ideas.

However, whatever solution is brought forward needs to be affordable and benefit all the communities and businesses we serve.

As with any other proposals we receive, we will look at the details and, crucially, listen to what our communities say."