MOTORISTS heading south from the North-East could be hit with tolls within a decade if the findings of a key transport report are taken up.

The Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber says the "preferred method" for reducing traffic "on the motorways and A1 is area-wide road-user charging".

It continues: "Our view is that charges should be levied on most road users on most roads in South and West Yorkshire".

This should be "investigated further with a view to implementation as soon as possible", though this could not be brought in before 2011, says the report.

Improved public transport is ruled out as an alternative means of cutting congestion.

Given the anger surrounding London's congestion charging scheme, which began yesterday, the report is certain to fuel controversy about tolling as the best way to cut car numbers.

Shadow Transport Secretary Tim Collins said: "It's quite clear that there's a secret but very determined agenda to bring in a major new tax on road users.

"This study shows that Yorkshire and the North-East is going to be at the forefront of a nasty experiment."

While the Government insists the report has only come up with ideas, a precedent for tolls on trunk roads has already been set. Britain's first toll road is due to open next year in the Midlands.

Mr Collins said of the report: "The most worrying thing about this study is that it's not charging people for anything new or better, which is at least what's happening in Birmingham.

"It will charge people for the privilege of using something that's already been paid for through taxes. When you offer motorists a carrot in the shape of better public transport, they see there's an alternative.

"With these plans, motorists will pay the charge, meaning less money in their pockets, which will hurt the economy."

The study was done by the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, and their consultants, towards the end of last year.

A spokeswoman for the office said: "The report has come up with ideas and these are not a reflection of Government policy at this time."

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