August 23, 2008
UK Motorists face pay-as-you-drive charges
British motorists may have to endure yet further financial hardship if the Government goes ahead with plans to introduce a new pay-as-you-drive policy. The proposed nationwide scheme will see motorists face peak-time charges of £1.30 per mile on busy roads as well as having to face additional motorway tolls.
It is expected that the scheme ,which will be piloted in 2010, will involve sophisticated satellite tracking technology to trace vehicle movements. If the proposed scheme proves to be successful, the satellites will be replaced by black boxes, which will be stationed on British roads to collect data. Motorists will then find themselves presented with a weekly bill based on their movements on the busiest roads.
The proposed introduction of pay-as-you-go driving will come as unwelcome news for British drivers who are struggling to cope with the credit crunch, increases in car insurance premiums and the soaring cost of road tax.