Congestion charging is gradually becoming a familiar part of Britain’s road systems. So toll roads are becoming more and more. Urban charging plans are in place in Durham and London, and the M6 Toll road is now in operation. In 2005, the government announced plans for nationwide road charging. A experimental plan could be operating within five years with a nationwide plan being officially carried out within ten years. Reports from the agency have found that there is some support among a minority (少数) of British motorists for charging plans. They say this plan shows some practical benefits to drivers, for example, clearer roads, better detection of tax escape, or a reduction in fuel duty. However, when questioned on the best way to pay any charge, the majority of drivers preferred extra taxation on fuel rather than a satellite tracking(卫星跟踪) plan. The government says that action must be taken to reduce congestion, and that drivers should consider their journeys carefully. Public transport plays a key role in helping motorists choose an alternative to the car. It is believed that convenient public transport is the best choice before drivers bear any further great costs. Of course, many motorists disagree with the charging plans, because it means that you need to pay to use a road or to enter a city centre. These pages will guide you around the details of each currently operational scheme in the UK. Click on the menu at the top of the page for the relevant scheme. 1. According to the passage, we can guess a toll road is _________. A. a road travelers have to pay to use B. a road on which drivers can drive very fast C. a road which is constructed by the government D. a road which is protected by the native inhabitants 2. According to the government, the whole UK may carry out the plans _________. A. around 2005 B. around 2015 C. around 2008 D. around 2020 3. According to the passage, it can be learned that ______. A. most drivers say the charging plans have some benefits B. many drivers prefer to pay more road tax when they are charged C. the government encourages motorists to use public transport D. only a few drivers don’t agree with the charging plan 4. This passage may come from a _________. A. traffic book B. website C. traffic magazine D. newspaper |