Later today, Britain's first toll road will open. It parallels the existing M6, which is a horrendously busy stretch of road and ,if it would cut out the traffic jams, I'll be tempted to use it next time I'm heading that way. Presumably, there will be more such roads to come and, as long as there's an alternative route for those who can't or don't want to pay the tolls, I've no objection.
In fact, why not extend this principle of user pays? I can't see why the car tax we currently buy once or twice a year couldn't be replaced with a levy placed on petrol and diesel. For a start, it would catch the parasites who regard tax discs as an optional extra, and in addition those who use the roads the most would pay the most. It might even encourage people to choose more economical vehicles...