Britain

British authorities are hiring consultants to do the detailed planning for all-electronic or 'freeflow' tolling (AET) on the country's largest volume toll facility, the Dartford Crossing across the River Thames east of London.

Page one of the print edition of the Wall Street Journal this morning carries a "What's News" 'grab' of an inside story that leads off "U.S. and U.S. forces freed an Italian ship hijacked by Somali pirates…" Of course they meant "U.K. and U.S. forces…" as the full story inside on pA17 makes clear with the correct headline "British and U.S. Forces Free Hijacked Italian Vessel."

Business leaders in Britain (UK) are calling for a new program of privately-funded toll road building – and the government transport minister is prepared to back them.

Every citizen in Britain would get shares with an issue value of about Pd1500 (@$1.54=$2300) in a nationwide tollroad network covering all British motorways (M-roads) and major arterials (A-roads) under an interesting plan being advanced to manage highways better and reduce congestion.

Likely next prime minister of Britain, David Cameron says he favors great use of toll financing for specific roads.

Central area congestion charging took a serious blow with a decisive rejection of a package of congestion charging and extravagent new public transit in a popular vote in Manchester, Britain's second metro area. Just over half of 2m eligible voters have voted in eight Manchester area constituencies and the proposals went down to defeat in all eight, with the overall margin 79% against, 21% in favor.

Excerpt from article on oped page of Yorkshire Post, York UK

"Congestion has now spread out from the larger cities to small towns and sections of rural motorway (in Yorkshire). The Government has failed to respond adequately to consumer demand and the resulting delays are becoming increasingly costly.

"It's no wonder that motorists feel ripped off. They pay large amounts in tax but get a poor standard of service in return.