New plans for UK road tolls

Nationwide charging for road users could become a reality for motorists far sooner than first thought.

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Nationwide charging for road users could become a reality for motorists far sooner than first thought.

In 2004 the Department for Transport (DfT) backed proposals which predicted it would be 10 to 15 years before a satellite tracking-based system could be introduced across the UK.

However, Transport for London has revealed that it is now testing a roadside beacon system, which could be quickly rolled out across the country after it goes live in the capital in 2009.

A nationwide system of road-user charging is now seen as inevitable as growing vehicle numbers put a strain on an already overstretched network. A key group of MPs on the Transport Select Committee is today taking evidence from experts on how a charging system might work, when it could be introduced and how it would affect motorists. It will take submissions from the DfT next week.

Government advisors and Transport Secretary Alistair Darling propose cuts in car tax, but charging motorists rates dependent on mileage, the time of the journey and the congestion on the route. Darling has also said a fund will be set up to help councils put local charging schemes into action.

Edinburgh could soon become the third city in the UK to introduce congestion charging after London and Durham. City councillors have agreed a £2 charge for entering the city, which will be introduced in 2006 if it wins backing in a referendum to be held between February 7 and 21, 2005.