Government sets out transport pledges

The Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition Government has set out its transport plans for the next parliament.

Recharging network
For car buyers, the Government will move to create a national recharging network for electric- and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Increased taxes?
Motorists can also expect a tougher stance on emissions, because the new Government has pledged to 'make the transport sector greener and more sustainable'.

Clampdown on clampers
The coalition also says it will tackle 'rogue private sector wheel clampers.'

Safer roads without speed cameras
Transport secretary Philip Hammond had previously said that the new administration would halt central funding for speed cameras. The document released today went slightly further, stating the coalition would 'switch to more effective ways of making our roads safer.'

The only detail accompanying this policy was that 'drugalyser' technology would be authorised. Currently, police officers can stop a motorist that they believe might be 'drug-driving' and ask them to carry out a number of field-impairment tests at the side of the road.

Fairer deal for UK hauliers
The road haulage industry received a boost because the Government has promised to 'work towards the introduction of a new system of HGV road user charging to ensure a fairer arrangement for UK hauliers'.

The detail will be fleshed out in consultation documents, committees and bills presented to Parliament. Policies and undertakings set out by the previous administration are also currently under review, so we will have to wait until these reviews are completed to get a full picture of the Government's plans for motorists.

Emergency Budget
There will also be more information on taxes and fuel duty in the emergency Budget on June 22. We'll be covering what George Osborne has to say right here on whatcar.com.

The Coalition's Transport Pledges in full
The Government believes that a modern transport infrastructure is essential for a dynamic and entrepreneurial economy, as well as to improve well-being and quality of life. We need to make the transport sector greener and more sustainable, with tougher emission standards and support for new transport technologies.

• We will mandate a national recharging network for electric- and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

• We will grant longer rail franchises in order to give operators the incentive to invest in the improvements passengers want like better services, better stations, longer trains and better rolling stock.

• We will reform the way decisions are made on which transport projects to prioritise, so that the benefits of low-carbon proposals (including light rail schemes) are fully recognised.

• We will make Network Rail more accountable to its customers.

• We will establish a high-speed rail network as part of our programme of measures to fulfil our joint ambitions for creating a low-carbon economy. Our vision is of a truly national high-speed rail network for the whole of Britain. Given financial constraints, we will have to achieve this in phases.

• We support Crossrail and further electrification of the rail network.

• We will turn the rail regulator into a powerful passenger champion.

• We will support sustainable travel initiatives, including the promotion of cycling and walking, and will encourage joint working between bus operators and local authorities.

• We are committed to fair pricing for rail travel.

• We will work towards the introduction of a new system of HGV road user charging to ensure a fairer arrangement for UK hauliers.

• We will stop central government funding for new fixed speed cameras and switch to more effective ways of making our roads safer, including authorising 'drugalyser' technology.

• We will tackle rogue private sector wheel-clampers.