Researchers are targeting York for a pioneering pay-as-you-drive trial scheme.

The Adam Smith Institute, a right-wing think tank, wants to introduce a 9p-a-mile road toll on an experimental basis in several British cities, including York.

At the same time, researchers from Leeds University are investigating what would happen if a £4 charge was introduced for all cars crossing York's Outer Ring Road to enter York and another £2 fee for crossing the Inner Ring Road. The charges would operate from 7am-10am, Monday to Friday.

Selected female householders in York have been asked to take part in a survey questionnaire, conducted in consultation with City of York Council which is providing the researchers with data.

Both research projects have come to light within 24 hours of the Government publishing its Transport White Paper, which includes plans to let local authorities introduce road tolls.

City of York Council deputy leader Councillor Dave Merrett said yesterday the authority had no proposals for such tolls at present, and they would only be introduced if it was felt they were needed and would be effective, and after public consultation.

Coun Merrett said today he was completely unaware of the Institute's study, adding: "I would need to understand what the proposals were before I commented."

The Adam Smith Institute researchers, who have already held discussions with transport chiefs in Cambridge, Leicester, Canterbury and Bristol, say they want to approach York along with other major cities to recruit them for the experiment, which could begin as early as next autumn.

Under its plans, motorists would pay according to the mileage they covered - with a base rate set at about 9p a mile, which could be raised at peak times or in busier parts of the city.

Drivers would have an electronic device fitted to their cars with a smart card which would deduct the toll charges automatically.

Matthew Young, director of projects at the Adam Smith Institute, said the technology existed for such a scheme, but the major obstacle was winning the backing of local authorities and the public.

He said: "We want to include cities which have congestion problems and the political will to look at congestion prices as a possible solution. Ideally, they should have both expertise among officials to understand traffic issues clearly and some expertise in working with the private sector."

He said money raised from road charges would be ploughed into vastly-improved public transport.

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