Congestion charging should be introduced nation wide to deter motorists from using their cars, a think tank close to the government has said.

In a report published on Tuesday, the Institute for Public Policy Research warn ministers against introducing road tolls on a "revenue neutral basis".

John Thurso MP, transport spokesman, said: "This is an interesting contribution to the debate.

"Those who have access to good public transport can and should be expected to pay more for choosing to use their cars. Charging will go a long way to stopping our cities being choked by congestion.

"But a system where low mileage is rewarded will penalise those in rural areas, who have no alternative transportation.

"What Britain needs is a safe, reliable and affordable public transport system everywhere, and a charging system which reflects need."

Forum Response: Institute of Directors

A spokesman for the IoD told ePolitix.com: "The solution to road congestion should involve both demand-side (road-pricing) and supply-side (new road capacity) elements.

"Between 1952 and 1999 the number of vehicle kilometres travelled by cars and vans increased by 1300 per cent, but the total road lengths rose by just 25 per cent. Road pricing should be revenue neutral, offset by reductions in fuel duty."