Commuters warned they'll be hit hardest by pay-per-mile car tax over 'peak time' rates

Commuters heading to and from work could be if a new system is introduced, according to experts.

A per-mile road pricing system would charge road users for every journey they made instead of paying a flat annual rate.

The system is likely to benefit some drivers who hardly travel and could pay less than the current £190 per year charge.

However, the policy is set to "frustrate" drivers "who are on the road more often" with .

Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at car insurance stressed motorists embarking on "longer and more frequent journeys" will feel the sting.

The biggest risk could come from so-called "variable" rates which would see per-mile charges altered based on the time of day or route motorists travel on.

It would mean decision-makers could theoretically set fees to be higher at peak journey times such as before 9am and after 5pm.

Rhydian explained: "If variable rates of road charging are used, those who have to travel at peak hours could see higher costs."

In recent weeks, there was widespread speculation that a pay-per-mile charge could be announced at the Autun Budget.

However, the Department for Transport has admitted a road pricing system was not on the cards for the Chancellor's speech at the end of October.

A Government spokesperson said: "We have no plans to introduce road pricing.

"We are committed to supporting our automotive sector as we transition to electric vehicles in order to meet our legally binding climate targets."

It's not the first time the concept of a variable rate has been mooted with the chairman of the , Sir John Armitt,

He said: "You could pay a different rate, per time of day, per type of road you were driving on, anywhere in the country and you just get a bill because it would all be monitored remotely."

Experts at also revealed fees paid by motorists could be based on a series of personal factors.

This could include "vehicle type, emissions standards, and time of travel" with "higher rates" at peak hours.