The European Union is planning to tackle the chronic congestion problems affecting much of the continent’s road network at a European rather than national level.

The plans involve European-level road charging as well as local hotspot congestion charging.

It is expected that any road charging plans will ensure interoperability across the entire European road network.

However, this is looking increasingly doubtful as countries, such as Britain, being trials of their own autonomous road pricing schemes.

MEPs are also calling for the EU to encourage technological innovation - especially intelligent transport systems - and better exploit Europe’s existing infrastructure.

In a recent Parliament report, MEPs said: “It is necessary to combine different policies with the involvement of more and more stakeholders representing the transport sector, government and citizens.”

The European Parliament is also suggesting that there needs to be more promotion of car-sharing, car-pooling and home working to help reduce congestion.