Ladyman free to travel?

I'm not

It would appear from today's Kent on Sunday newspaper, that local MP and transport minister Stephen Ladyman is keen to introduce road pricing, despite the universal opposition from the general public.

Unlike us mere mortals Ladyman is quoted as saying he will either travel at different times of the day or put his hand in his pocket and pay to travel at the busiest times of day, I on the other hand like most people would prefer to travel when I have to, and not take a another penny out of my pocket in taxation, to fill gaps in Labour's uncontrolled public spending.

Presumably Mr Ladyman is already resigned to his chances of being re-elected for Thanet South which are currently, slim chance and no chance, assuming he is oblivious to the realities of politics, he might just spare a thought, for those like him, who have to earn their money outside of the planet Thanet.

The fact that his government along with those before it, have shown a blatant disregard for the transport needs of this country, the puritanical insensitive Labour knows best attitude, shouldn't automatically mean that the public should now be penalised for travelling.

It's some measure of how aloof and detached, our politicians become once in office, this being the perfect example ignoring one of the few luxuries ordinary working people (Labour's core supporters) can afford. It's all right for well-paid professionals such as Ladyman to pay a bit more in tax but for those of us further down the food chain are wallets are pretty much empty.

Ladyman can increase tax as much as he likes and he and his colleagues can still afford to travel whenever they wish, look at the recent imposition of increased tax for air travellers, this doesn't impinge on first or business class its those of us on ordinary incomes who feel the pinch.

When I see New Labour increase taxation for luxury travel then I will believe that they represent me, however this is unlikely since this is the way top Labour functionaries and buddies travel.

Worryingly Mr Ladyman, was quoted on last week's front-page as wishing to reappear on top gear as one of their ''celebrity guests'' ? racing round a track in some highly environmentally friendly manner, I just wonder what sort of responsible signal that sends out to road users.

I view freedom to travel, as a right and not some privilege to be given to the wealthy and political elite and expect Labour ministers not to screw the last penny out of ordinary people.

I find it great that politicians can ignore millions of voters, who in the last week, have signed a petition objecting to road-pricing on the Internet.

Finally if I were, a Tory candidate, for South Thanet (Laura Sandys) I think the best strategy for winning the seat at the next election, might be to allow Dr Stephen Ladyman do all the talking with a little help from Gordon Brown.

If you would like to sign the 10 Downing Street petition against road pricing click here