Sussex MP calls for A27 toll (From The Argus)

Sussex MP calls for A27 toll

6:40pm Wednesday 14th December 2011 in News By James Wallin

An MP has called for motorists to be charged a toll for using the A27.

Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames said it was the only way to pay for much-needed improvements along one of Sussex’s busiest roads – but fellow MPs and council leaders have said tolling would harm tourism and create rat runs alongside the A27.

Mr Soames told The Argus: “There is an enormous gap in the amount of funding that would be needed and my view is the best way of getting these improvements would be to toll it and get a private sector company to take it on.

“I understand why some people don’t like the idea but unfortunately we are in an age of austerity and we have to weigh up what benefits this would bring.

“The majority of roads in mainland Europe are tolled and are of a significantly higher standard as a result.”

Roads minister Mike Penning said he was “willing to discuss any local proposals” but said there were currently no plans to toll the A27.

Worthing Borough Council leader Paul Yallop said he was keen to discuss any ideas to bring forward much-needed improvements to the road but said a toll would not be welcome.

He said: “I think the majority of motorists using the A27 would think it was extremely unfair if they were forced to pay a toll when other areas are not.

"If that was to be the way forward it would have to be part of a national scheme.

“We are keen to attract visitors to the area and a toll on the A27 would inevitably give us a disadvantage against other areas."

Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley said: “I share Nicholas Soames’ interest in making the A27 a road which is environmentally sustainable, safe and provides a service to local people and businesses.

“It is likely tolling is not the best way of providing these improvements."

The A27 Chichester bypass scheme is one of 14 identified by the Highways Agency for work after 2015 subject to ‘statutory processes, value for money and affordability’.

However campaigners want immediate measures to ease congestion at other pinch points.

More news from The Argus

Follow @brightonargus

Like us on Facebook

 Add us to your circles on Google+