In 2007, the Government backed down after 1.8 million people signed a petition against road pricing. Wary of that, the Coalition Government promised not to bring in road pricing (other than for lorries) or even prepare for it. Although the Government would consider levying tolls on totally new major roads like motorways, we were assured our existing roads would not be tolled. There is now the threat of major routes in England effectively being sold off.

The driving public has paid something like £500bn into the roads since 1997, with only a fraction spent back.

I encourage readers to write to their MP, c/o House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA to say: “Can’t pay, won’t pay”.

BRIAN GREGORY

Chairman Association of British Drivers

Kenley