Tax On Flights Could Fund Rail Projects

The Liberal Democrats have suggested a £10 tax per ticket on domestic flights in Britain to add funding for rail improvements.

"They are also proposing to put a toll on road freight, while encouraging private investment in railways."

"The party says it would generate £12bn in five years and be a temporary measure, without specifying how long."

"The proposals are part of a package aimed at making Britain's transport system carbon neutral by 2050."

"The flight charge would generate £150m a year, and the freight toll could raise £600m annually to be put in a 'Future Transport Fund'."

"Lib Dem environment spokesman Chris Huhne said the flight tax would curb the growth in the internal flights and shift freight from road to rail, potentially cutting the UK's carbon emissions by more than 2.6 million tonnes a year."