Without charging we would see increased congestion

Sir Christopher Foster, RAC

The RAC report predicts that the demand for car travel will double by 2031.

As a result the effect cars have on the environment would rise, with noise levels from vehicles rising unless new improvements are made to vehicles.

In a foreword to the report Tony Blair said although it did not represent government policy it was a "a well-argued and interesting contribution to the debate".

RAC Foundation chairman Sir Christopher Foster said the fact that a motoring organisation opted for road charging could surprise many people.

But he said: "Our report shows that the alternatives are worse."

"Without charging we would see increased congestion and possibly unpalatable and probably ineffective efforts to curb car ownership."

'Nervousness'

An independent steering committee helped produce the report with the RAC Foundation.

Environmental organisation Transport 2000 welcomed the report's conclusions on road tolls.

Director Stephen Joseph said: "Even motoring organisations now believe road-charging should happen.

"The nervousness shown by the government over it is unfounded. But the RAC is heading in the wrong direction if it thinks that road-building could lead us out of congestion.

"It would create more traffic and in the long term do nothing to clear traffic jams.

"Road-charging is the way forward, together with steady improvements in public transport. Trains, trams and buses can deliver us from traffic hell."