Distance based road taxation

I generally support road and transport funding being based on actual road usage, as the MOT is now looking at, rather than close substitutes such as petrol tax. Both are way better than property rates though which are a nutty way to fund local roads.

The one big advantage petrol tax has is it simplicity. Four oil companies once a month tot up their sales and give a big cheque to the Government. A lot easier than three million plus car owners getting individual billls based on their road usage.

However sensible road charges can and should lead to more efficient funding and expenditure on roads. I even back congestion charging for peak times etc.