Debates between David Evennett and Theresa Villiers during the 2019 Parliament

Road User Charging Schemes

Debate between David Evennett and Theresa Villiers
Monday 26th June 2023

(10 months, 1 week ago)

Westminster Hall
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Theresa Villiers Portrait Theresa Villiers
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I think that cracking down on roadworks is a good idea, although I have to say that we have heard many times that lane rental is to be introduced, and somehow we all still seem to get caught in those traffic jams. My right hon. Friend makes some valid points.

David Evennett Portrait Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)
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I am listening with great interest to my right hon. Friend, who is making a powerful case. Of course, the reason for this ULEZ is tax raising, not air pollution control, for which it has been proved conclusively not to work. In places such as Bexley, where we have good air quality, it is just to get money into the Mayor of London’s coffers.

Theresa Villiers Portrait Theresa Villiers
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Many of my constituents agree with my right hon. Friend. It feels as if the suburbs are up in arms. They absolutely distrust the motivation behind the scheme. Other people who are concerned about ULEZ might be those with older vehicles, which they might have maintained carefully over many years, perhaps when Gordon Brown was telling us that we all ought to go to diesel to reduce emissions.