THE AA says the motoring public will not accept road tolls on existing roads - just as one of the mayoral candidates for London promises to fast-track the introduction of such charges should he be elected. John Dawson, AA policy director, said that research for 'The Great British Motorist 2000: Lessons from European Transport and Travel' showed motorists would tolerate tolls to use new roads or bridges as a 'funding of last resort'.

But he insisted: 'New tolls for old roads - forget it.' Almost simultaneously Ken Livingstone, prospective Labour candidate for London mayor, promised to introduce road tolls in central London within 15 months if he was successful in winning the summer 2000 mayoral elections. The money would be spent on the London Underground. Meanwhile the Government has revealed that 27 local authorities have expressed interest in their provisional Local Transport Plans in introducing road user or workplace parking charges. Their names are expected to be announced next month.