It is difficult to discuss the future of our roads at the moment because the congestion charge is still in its infancy.

There won’t be many changes in the current system for a while yet, the scheme is only just starting to benefit the capital and it would be a shock to see this initiative replaced in the near future.

Additions to the current system would, though, not be a surprise. The Congestion Digest reported in our news section that the capital is already looking at technology looking at emissions.

Ken Livingstone has also given the biggest hint yet that the nation might well be charged a different price depending on the emission levels of their car. The Mayor has supposedly reported to the General London Assembly that he and his departments will be looking into further technology to test for emissions.

Cameras will be added to the current system in order to see the levels of different pollutants emanating from every car entering the congestion zone. It isn’t in the pipeline just yet, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see drivers of a run down 1984 Ford Escort having to pay an increased rate in the near future.

The Government is also said to be researching satellite user charging for our roads. This system would replace a tax disc with a GPS box which monitors how far you travel and where you travel, with an appropriate charge being made on these figures. The recent launch of the European satellite, Galileo, has further fuelled rumours of constant car monitoring in the UK.