SOLIHULL MP WELCOMES EXPECTED DECISION TO PARK ROAD PRICING FOR WEST MIDLANDS

10.27.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 4th Mar 2008

Solihull's MP Lorely Burt has welcomed the decision expected tomorrow (Wednesday) from West Midlands Metropolitan Council Leaders to rule out a road pricing pilot scheme for the region.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"This scheme would not have benefited Solihull - we would have experienced increased congestion from traffic 'rat running' to avoid the congestion charges on the motorways and the city.

"There was also a fear that business would relocate out of Birmingham to avoid the charge.

"However, congestion must be tackled and we now need a region wide transport solution funded from government and other sources to replace investment that would have come from the Transport Innovation Fund.

It has been estimated that we need £1.7million to improve transport infrastructure and the quality of life for people in the West Midlands and that money must be found."