There is certainly a need for a fairer system of road user charging over and above that produced by road tax. However, in order to achieve it, the government is unlikely to introduce an expensive network of road tollgates similar to those seen elsewhere in Europe. Current thinking seems to be with technology in the form of static cameras and automatic number plate readers.
While devising a suitable method of charging that will see all road users pay up, including foreign registered vehicles, should be a priority, there is another important issue here. The technology route of monitoring vehicle journeys allows an opportunity to encourage efficiency in road transport operation. Cameras linked to dynamic weighbridges, or maybe on board telematics, used to monitor laden journeys will inevitably increase efficiency when linked to the charging scheme. In direct conflict with the logic of road tax rates, laden journeys encouraged by reduced charges could see important environmental issues addressed.
All this may involve extra cost but the value of utilising camera equipment on a broad base could justify the price.
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