AN ONLINE petition calling for a local debate over proposals to introduce a road congestion charge pilot scheme in Bristol is being launched today by Charlotte Leslie, the Conservative’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol North West.

Bristol is one of a number of cities that have been earmarked nationwide as possible locations for congestion charges to be introduced, initially on a trial basis.

The proposals, similar to the controversial scheme already in place across central London, would see motorists charged up to £1.34 a mile to use inner city roads.

In response, Charlotte Leslie, the Conservative’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bristol North West, has established an online petition calling for a referendum on congestion charging in the city before the scheme is given final approval in the Council House.

It calls for a full and frank discussion by the people of Bristol over whether the plans would help ease traffic congestion, or if any such schemes would prove ineffectual without the introduction of better public transport links within the city.

The petition, which has been launched on the Bristol City Council website:

"We the undersigned oppose the possible introduction of a pilot scheme of congestion charging in Bristol without a referendum of Bristol ' s citizens on the issue "

Commenting on the launch of the petition, Charlotte said: "Bristol people should have the say on what Bristol people would have to pay.

"There are strong arguments for congestion charging - reducing carbon emissions is a priority and Bristol is completely grid-locked.

“However, charging people to use the roads while our public transport is so inadequate seems unfair. And until we have decent public transport, it is unlikely people will get out of their cars. Instead of reducing carbon emissions, we might just make congestion a bigger problem for the rest of Bristol.

(Cont:)

"But this is an issue for Bristol people to decide. That is why I am calling for a Bristol road-price referendum.”

Councillor Ashley Fox (Con. Westbury-On-Trym) is bringing a motion to the next meeting of full Council, on 24th July, to propose that such a referendum be agreed by Councillors. All are welcome to attend.

Earlier this year The Department for Transport published its guide for local authorities on introducing Local Road Pricing Schemes.

In response, Chris Grayling, Shadow Transport Secretary, reiterated the need for local road pricing schemes to be decided locally. At the time, he said: “I think it is important that the Government isn’t seen to be blackmailing local communities into adopting congestion charges against their will. Local schemes are fine but only if they are decided on and set up locally.”

Anyone interested in signing the petition, or getting involved in the campaign should contact Charlotte Leslie - charlotte@charlotteleslie.com or telephone 0117 9736811.