Blair emails 1.3m angry motorists over road pricing
Tony Blair will today answer critics in the growing row with motorists over road pricing.
Downing Street is considering replying to the 1.3 million people who signed a No 10 petition opposing pay-as-you-drive tolls.
More here:
• Revealed, what Blair isn't telling you about road tolls
• Road toll petition: 'What prat thought this up?'
• Now MPs join road toll revolt
• 'Dartford toll rise will jam up east London'
Mr Blair will send an email to all the signatories in an attempt to dispel the "myths" about the plans.
The move comes after concerns within Government that the online petition has been a public relations disaster.
Earlier this week one minister had branded the man behind the No 10 petition idea, Peter Roberts, a "prat".
To make matters worse part of No 10's website crashed after one million people logged on to register their opposition to a plan charge motorists tolls on up to 10 per cent of the nation's roads.
Downing Street hoped the epetitions would encourage greater participation in politics and show Labour was listening to voters.
Ministers are furious the Government did not have the chance to promote the benefits of a national toll scheme.
Mr Blair's email will reject critics' claims that the new toll technology will track motorists' movements to catch people speeding in a bid to boost Treasury coffers.
