As many as 86 per cent of drivers are against road pricing, a survey from motoring website MSN Cars showed.

But the number opposed drops to 57 per cent if the money raised is ploughed back into transport and the scheme is not seen as simply a revenue-generating exercise.

Of the 2,200 drivers questioned, Welsh motorists were most in favour of road pricing, while those in the Midlands and north east England were most opposed.

MSN Cars manager Tom Evans said: "The poll offers a good insight into the minds of UK motorists and the results suggest that road charges that put revenues into road improvements and alternatives to private transport would win wider support.

"People may not like the idea of road pricing, but they also don't want to spend increasing hours of their lives in traffic jams either."