David Cameron is considering plans to privatise parts of England’s road network.
He is expected to make a speech today outlining his plans.
It is thought the Prime Minister will say that tolls for new roads are one option, alongside attracting money from private investors and pension funds.
He is expected to say that the cash will be used to increase capacity on the roads and lessen congestion.
In his speech Cameron is expected to say:
“Why is it that other infrastructure – for example water – is funded by private sector capital through privately owned, independently regulated, utilities……but roads in Britain call on the public finances for funding?
“We need to look urgently at the options for getting large-scale private investment into the national roads network – from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and other investors.
“That’s why I have asked the Department for Transport and the Treasury to carry out a feasibility study of new ownership and financing models for the national roads system and to report progress to me in the Autumn.”
What!!?
Are we meant to believe that RAIL in Britain does not call on the public finances for funding and therefore we have a model for roads?
Utter nonsense.