National road charging on trial – it could even prove popular

A trial of road-user charging planned for 2009 is an opportunity to reassure drivers that such a scheme need not be expensive or intrude on their privacy, according to green breakdown provider, the ETA (Environmental Transport Association).

The government announced this week that volunteers will have their cars fitted with satellite-tracking devices that have the ability to collect road charges automatically, at rates which will vary according to the level of congestion.

Director at the ETA, Andrew Davis said: “National road user charging could reduce congestion and do away with the need for fuel duty and road tax, but the idea remains unpopular because the government is too scared to commit itself and explain the benefits clearly.”

Under new plans, drivers will have the choice of whether or not their bills show details of where they have travelled, but the ETA believes this might not reassure people concerned about invasion of privacy.

Andrew Davis said: “Anybody who currently owns a mobile phone or a SatNav need divulge no more information than they would through a road user charging scheme.”