Call for road pricing to combat climate change

Road pricing should be introduced to meet legally-binding carbon emissions targets, according to a government advisory committee.

The controversial measure had already been mooted as a way of paying for upgrading roads and improving public transport, but caused a huge backlash from mototists who were concerned about the expense.

But today the Telegraph reported that the idea has resurfaced as part of a number of measures to combat climate change.

The Committee on Climate Change said the government is unlikely to be able to meet the target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 34% by 2020 unless there is a radical step change in power generation, transport and homes.

David Kennedy, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, said reductions in carbon emissions will have to triple to 3% per annum by next year.

He said: "We are not calling for Government to rush ahead and introduce road pricing but its is something that should not go off the agenda in years to come."