Road charge pricing

Transport Secretary Alastair Darling is set to reveal his plans for a new road charge scheme which charges for every mile you cover.

He is expected to say he wants pilot schemes set-up within two years, although the plans are unlikely to become reality before 2015-2020.

Road use would be measured by satellite tracking, with quiet country lanes costing 2p a mile, and the busiest areas costing £1.30. And riders would need to have tracking devices fitted. There’s currently no official line on whether bikes will be included, with the Department of Transport saying that they can’t answer any specific questions, but it could see bikes and cars priced off the roads.

As an example, commuting ten miles in rush hour at the top price would cost £13 one way. To get home during rush hour doubles it to £26. And work five days a week and you’ll be paying £130 just to get to and from work. Do that every week and you’ll pay £6760 just to commute.

The same journey at the cheapest rate for a year would cost £1040.

Consequence could include businesses moving into quiet rural areas to minimise charging for their staff and business, and your favourite quiet road packed with cars trying to avoid paying the heavier tolls.

The BBC quotes a Mori survey which has 16 per cent of drivers saying nothing would make them have a tracking device in their cars. We’d like to know how many of you would refuse such a device on your bike. Post your yes or no response by following the Related Topics link, right. or clicking the Vote links below.

Click here if you would refuse

Click here if you would allow it