AS the Government prepares to announce its blueprint for the future of transport, congestion charging charging continues to be deeply unpopular among motorists. Opposition to city centre charges wanes if fuel duty or Vehicle Excise Duty is reduced or the cash raised is spent on improving public transport, according to the latest market research by MORI.

Motorway tolls are ruled out by a majority of the 2,024-people survey, which revealed that transport-related issues were the most important local concerns in England today

Congestion is the biggest single issue facing motorists, with 81% of those surveyed believing it will get worse over the next decade. Motorists believe that in towns and cities it is local authorities' responsibility to solve the problem with about half of those questioned backing restricted car access.

The results of the survey -which also showed 81% of motorists opposed further fuel price rises - were passed to the Government as it deliberated its transport strategy.

Details of the Government's transport spending plans will appear here next Tuesday.