Charging motorists based on their mileage is inevitable if future traffic problems are to be avoided, according to the RAC Foundation.
A “pay-as-you-go” system could be the answer to congestion, says its director professor Stephen Glaister.
A 33 per cent increase in traffic by 2025, combined with spending cuts and a lack of vision for the road network will necessitate wholesale reform, he says.
The launch of the report coincided with an Ipsos MORI study showing 58 per cent of drivers agreed a per-mile system would make them think about how much they drive.
“Most people are instinctively opposed to road charging when they think it is an extra tax,” said Glaister. “But when the details are explained … the opposition falls away dramatically.”
The report also recommended a cut in fuel duty and road tax, a governing body to develop and implement a long-term strategy for the road network, a guaranteed sum of revenue for the work, a regulator to ensure the work was done efficiently and more reliable journey times and compensation for delays
In 2005, the then transport secretary Alistair Darling backed a plan to force motorists to pay £1.30 a mile to drive on Britain’s busiest roads.
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Re: RAC: 'road charging inevitable'
I can remember a time when the RAC were on our side. Road charging inevitable? We're already bled dry for the "privilege" of using the pot-holed trails that pass for roads these days. I would agree to roadcharging only if the Government dropped their other revenue-raising scams; vehicle licencing, punitive petrol duty +VAT, first registration fees etc. etc.They're already taking the piss to the n'th degree and putting only a pittance back in to the system. Very few of us drive for fun any more; I work 20 miles from my home and there is no public transport option out here in the sticks. Perhaps we should all stay at home and sign on the dole, eh?
Re: RAC: 'road charging inevitable'
Just who are the RAC Foundation in any case? They appear to have no connection at all with the RAC, who are a commercial company (I think currently owned by Aviva) who provide a first-rate breakdown service and are well-respected.
I can't find anything that says who exactly they are but they certainly don't express the views of motorists, 2 million recently signed a petition against road charging. Perhaps we should ought to know who is behind them before we can tell if firstly they have a clue what they are talking about, and also if they have an agenda of their own to pursue.
I think these questions need to be answered before we give them any credibility.
Re: RAC: 'road charging inevitable'
An a**e is an a**e no matter what they drive. I have no issue with big cars, because lets be honest .... even the biggest car is small compared to large vans and lorries .... which in quite a few cases are driven appalling badly by people who are extremely arrogant, obnoxious, drunk, tired or on drugs. Road charging will of course reduce this menace, just like CCTV cuts down crime and does not increase the amount of hooded tops sold.