Pay-as-you-go road mileage proposals to be rolled out

Plans to introduce a pay-as-you-go scheme of road use charges has prompted a storm of protest from road users, transport experts and campaign groups.

The plans are understood to involve the introduction of charges of up to £1.40 per mile on some of the UK's most congested stretches of the road network, and the high technology solution to congestion problems will see a radical overhaul of the existing fuel tax structure and the road fund licence.

However, the proposals have met a storm of protest by experts who warn that if the Government fails to persuade road users that the structure will be fair and reasonable there could be a revolt of "poll tax" proportions.

Among areas that could be hit if journeys are perceived as more expensive are tourism, haulage and delivery costs.

With around £7.50 of every £10 spent on fuel already going to the government in duty, one of the highest rates in the EU, the motorist will be keen not to pay more.

The solution will also have to rely on relatively expensive technology and would have to be efficiently policed in some manner to ensure compliance by all road users.

Transport experts have also expressed concerns that if some urban routes are made more expensive, then less expensive rural routes, many of which are less suitable for heavy volumes of traffic, may become more congested.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is expected to outline the proposals later this week.

(SP/KMcA)