I have been a motorist most of my working life, [not through choice, but necessity]. I and thousands of others down the years have paid for the roads that we now have, such as they are. Now Blair, [remember "things can only get better " ?] wants via road pricing to give these roads, the nations lifelines, to the rich and the priveledged. It is about time the citizens of this country reminded politicians of all persuasions that they serve us, not the other way around.
The level, standards, and lack of academic thought, within politics and politicians beggars belief !

Brian Hurst, Sussex, England

Francis, your view would maybe have some value if you were actually in England and not shouting encouragement from the sidelines in France. Come back and pay then perhaps you'd have a leg to stand on.

As for the rest of us we just have to hope and pray that this government is consigned to the dustbin of history at the next election.

Steve , Ipswich,

Just another tax - this government won't stop until they have 100% of ordinary workers earnings. What is so wrong about penalising the thousands of motorists who drive with no tax or insurance? Surely this comes first? But, perhaps not, as it is always easier to punish those not guilty of anything.

Peter Sherwood, Battle, East Sussex

I wonder who the government will blame when small businesses are priced out of existance, when nurses and teachers quit because they can't afford to get to work, when homes are reposessed from all those people who have overstretched themselves with huge mortgages and can't cope with the additional tax burdens and ultimately the economy goes into deep recession and British businesses and assets are being taken over and offshored by Chinese venture capitalists...?
If there was more attention and investment in affordable and reliable public transport, congestion would be controlled by the already high cost of motoring encouraging people to take clean, quick buses or trains, the environment would thus be protected and everyone would be happy... but I don't suppose that making people happy is on the government's agenda?

Kevin, Southampton,

More heavy handed tactics from governent. It's clear people don't want the charging schemes or thier privacy intruded on. Councils would be better off putting the money to be spent on congestion charging in to investing in public transport. Which woul dencourage more people out of thier cars.

Alex, Basingstoke,

Councils care about even less about council tax payers than Governments care about voters. They will sell us out very, very easily.

judy, liverpool, england

The Government suddenly have £1.4 bn to give to Local Councils. We all know what happens when Councils have anything to do with planning - nothing. Perhaps the money does not really exist then? If it does then the NHS debt is £1.3 bn. Job done and we are all happy?

Lionel Chapman, Gloucestershire,

The media, Politicians and reportedly the people claim that a greener Britain is desired yet the introduction of green taxes catalyses uproar from the media and the people. Surely it is time for the people to stand up and be counted. If you want a greener world, you will have to suffer some losses!

Francis, Paris, France

Blackmail is about the level of this government, i hope councils stand firm but i fear they are too weak and full of PC Guardianistalimpwristedliberals, those who can't a get a job in th real world. What a mess this country has become under Blair ...how can we ever get out of it?

Samantha Jones, Bucks, England

Me personally for the average driver think that increase in fuel plus the road tax and maintenance costs incurred to be a responsible driver are high enough and to add this proposed intention of a mileage fee will only cause more illegal drivers on the road and drivers like my self who have driven for over thirty years and abide by all that has been acquired to be a responsible driver have been met.is this how the government intent to repay that thirty years loyalty. not just to my self but to the millions of people like myself.

pauline brant, cleveland, uk

Surely we pay Road Tax for this - is it legal to withhold funding when we have already paid Road Duty?

Susan Sim, Ellon , Aberdeenshire

Congestion charges are just another form of taxation.

How much money raised by the existing road tax fund and VAT on fuel, is spent on road/travel improvements?

Britain, is planning for a rich/poor divide on an abilty to pay, when the infrastructure has already been provided by taxpayers, who will have to pay once again to use our own highways.

Politician's are insulated from these costs by engineering their own travel expenses (no receipts required and the public to be refused audit of MP's costs ) so they are going
along with this on the bogus premis, that it is mainly a conservation charge to save the planet.

Eddie Evans, Hythe, UK

This is just another waste of our money. Millions will be spent just to make out these out of touch Ministers are doing something constructive, such as the NHS computerised patient care system. Nothing has been said about how the road pricing system will deter drivers from turning what are, at the moment, quiet residential streets into busy "rat runs" to avoid mileage payments. Businesses will not worry too much, they will just pass the extra cost on the the end consumer, us. We have no way of deflecting the payments unless we give up working and stay at home.

Peter, Brixham, Devon

This is simply deceitful, and unfair on those who live in the target towns & cities. I live in Birmingham, and driving to work takes me approximately 10 minutes longer for a 10-mile journey than it takes on my scooter: which hardly equates to a terrible traffic situation, and driving is a lot safer . I also notice the chap from the West Mids PTA seems resigned to it, and his statement implies that the West Midlands have allowed the Government to attach as many strings as they like.

Adam Neilson, Birmingham,

It is just another cost to the person or business that *has* to travel through that region ... passed on to the end customer. It doesn't deter travel through the region but (perversely) encourages it ... just like the Toll Motorway around Birmingham!

Ian Phillips, Plymouth,