TRANSPORT minister Gavin Strang put tolls back on the agenda this week after it became clear that Government public spending limits would not fund plans for an integrated transport policy. Announcing a review of the roads programme Strang said road-pricing was under consideration.

A Department of Transport spokesman said: 'When he referred to road-pricing, the Minister meant both urban road-pricing and motorway tolls.' The integrated transport policy White Paper, expected next spring, will examine transport issues and their impact on the environment. Long term 'green reforms' may include tolls, an office parking tax and a carbon tax on fuels.

PHH Vehicle Management Services estimates tolls would cost a fleet of 300 vehicles an extra £45,000 and managing director David Knight said the issue was only worth debating if it would not increase the costs of business and put pressure on secondary roads. A Cowie Group survey reveals that two out of three drivers would not pay motorway tolls and only 17% of company car drivers would pay a toll to take their car into a city centre.