Tributes paid to ‘deeply respected’ transport campaigner
A Telford businessman who made national headlines when nearly two million people signed his petition against plans to introduce road charging in the UK has died suddenly.
Tributes have been paid to Peter Roberts, from Lawley Bank, who has died at the age of 64.
Mr Roberts launched a petition in 2007 when Tony Blair’s government announced plans to charge motorists up to £1.30 a mile on the busiest roads and motorways to reduce congestion and tackle climate change.
The anti-road pricing petition generated so much traffic that it briefly crashed the Government’s website and contributed towards the scrapping of the plans.
He said at the time: “It’s nothing more than an additional tax which is being levied on people who aren’t driving for fun, but driving to get to work. They are doing so because they have to, and the way I see it is that they are being penalised for being taxpayers.”
Mr Roberts also set up the Drivers’ Alliance in 2008, and went on to become a founding director of the Alliance of British Drivers, a not-for-profit group which campaigns for ‘driving sense’ and drivers’ rights.
A strong supporter of Brexit, he was part of West Midlands UKIP MEP Jill Seymour’s campaign and research team, and was elected to represent the party on Hollinswood and Randlay parish council in 2016.
Mr Roberts was also a co-founder of 3D printing products company 3D Printz, based at Hortonwood. He leaves a partner Kerry and two children, Adam and Leanne. His funeral service will be held at Telford Crematorium on February 12, at 1.30pm.
Jill Seymour described him as ‘a dear friend and deeply respected colleague’. She added: “As my researcher for transport in the European Parliament, Peter’s expert knowledge and dedication were invaluable.
“Our memories of Peter’s passion and unwavering commitment - both in politics and our shared endeavours - will forever remain with us. We shared countless special moments that will always hold a cherished place in our hearts.”
The Alliance of British Drivers expressed their huge sadness. Director Brian Gregory said: “From my first acquaintance with Peter over 30 years ago, he remained a firm libertarian and critic of the broken UK uniparty system.”
