Post by Tar A on Mar 24, 2004 1:47:55 GMT -5
Today's issue for our communal puppet, everyone please feel free to lodge your vote and participate in the debate.
(Dilemma #102) - "For Whom The Road Tolls"
The Issue
A group of transport analysts have suggested that a charge of five Pacific Monetary Units a day for vehicle access to The New Pacific Order's most congested inner-cities during peak hours is the only way to solve their ever-growing traffic problem.
The Debate
(Dilemma #102) - "For Whom The Road Tolls"
The Issue
A group of transport analysts have suggested that a charge of five Pacific Monetary Units a day for vehicle access to The New Pacific Order's most congested inner-cities during peak hours is the only way to solve their ever-growing traffic problem.
The Debate
- Option 1: "Similar schemes have been very effective elsewhere," says Miranda Bush, The New Pacific Order's most infamous traffic warden. "It's common sense that the best way to curb dangerously high demand is to raise the price of the supply - or, as in this case, to create a price. Charging citizens to go into more congested areas could, combined with the improvements to public transport it will finance, actually make people choose public transport over their cars. I don't see why people shouldn't pay tax for a little less traffic on our roads."
- Option 2: "These tolls are a preposterous idea," argues road lobbyist, Johan Summers. "Public transport will never replace the car - I don't want to be forced to share my space with a bunch of malodorous working-class people on my way to work. Not that I would be, because I could afford the charge, but really, it's the principle of the matter! The only solution is to expand urban road networks. True, some pavements and green spots would have to go, but those pedestrians should be able to put up with that if they're to expect The New Pacific Order to be part of the modern world."
- Option 3: "Allowing cars to scoot around and pollute our cities was a bad idea in the first place," says Lars Barry, a famous environmentalist. "The solution is to restrict private transport to main roads and motorways whilst funding a major urban public transport scheme. Our buses and undergrounds could be the envy of the world! Yes, the car companies will suffer a little, and yes, there'll be a bit more tax, but wouldn't it be worth it for a bit of fresh air and safe streets for the children?"