The post you are reporting:
Neil, I haven't disputed the figures you have given on estimated road toll revenues, but written that these figures which have been presented to the Government are by far insufficient and unrealistic. I've read the report myself. Gov. has not made any definitive decision yet on this matter, it's still being looked at.
As for the Localism Bill, or whatever you wish to call it, we live in a democratic society, and there has been quite some talk by people who have supported the idea even before the last General Election, suggesting it must be developed into an economic function, that the Government cannot just leave it to a series of words without meaning.
Only the other night I was reading an article written by a Scottish personality - haven't got the name in memory - who spoke with Dave Cameron before the last G.E. and advised him on Localism and how to present it as an Election campaign. This same person is now saying that the Government has not kept to the original spirit of the idea, has not implemented practically anything of it, and that it needs to be implemented with economic reforms. It's not just me saying this.
My guess is, Neil, the Government is taking so long in making a decision on Dover Port, for the simple reason that they know full well they have different options before them, and that includes choosing between road tolls OR port tolls, and choosing between a public body such as DPPT claims to be, or a local Council solution such as I propose.
If everything you have presented was so perfect and THE ONLY solution, the Government would have long ago accepted it, but they haven't. So we must assume they are pondering on what decision to make, especially considering that the DHB privatisation bid has involved a lot more than just the DfT, having long ago got to 10 Downing Street and to the Communities Secretary too.
So clearly, Neil, they are all pondering on which decision to make, which means there is more than one option on the table, doesn't it? And for all we know they may be pondering on other representations too, not just yours or mine, as well as on the DHB bid.
I don't think neither you nor I, nor Vic, nor any other person who made a relevant representation, can PROVE to the Pubic to have convinced the Government. But it's only DPPT that keeps claiming to the Public to be the only alternative.
Where is the proof for that from any Government representative, Neil?
Your word is as much valid as mine or Vic's or of any other entity that made a representation!
If you claim that DPPT is the only alternative to the DHB bid that the DfT is considering, then prove it with official Government statements!
I can prove the opposite.
