Research carried out...

Research carried out by the Departч­ment for Transport found that charges could lead to more accidents, because drivers would use minor roads to avoid them. Another risk is that motorists will travel before dawn and after dusk to cut their commuting costs.

Evidence from the DfT feasibility study has been submitted to the Commons Transport Select Comч­mittee by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety.

PACTS director Robert Gifford said: "We must take into account road safety factors, especially if people transfer their journeys to minor routes." Duncan Vernon, of campaign group RoSPA, said: "One thing to consider is to create a pricing scheme which encourages motorists to use safer roads at safer times."