ROAD-user charging must not be given the go-ahead by Government unless it is based on an electronic scheme, according to an influential think-tank. The Adam Smith Institute has issued the warning as one point in a four-step checklist for success, which it says must be followed if charges are ever going to work.

The three other steps are that revenues must be retained locally for transport investment, public private partnerships have to be formed to generate immediate improvements in local transport before charges come in and that charging centres should be free to set their own fees.

But the vital factor will be the charging methods used, and the report - called 'Charging Ahead: Making Road User Charging Work in the UK' - says relying on paper-based schemes will only increase the administrative burden on local authorities and be almost impossible to police. Copies of the report can be obtained from The Smith Group by calling 01483 442000.