AN MP has savaged plans to use Essex as a test ground for a new Government road pricing scheme based on satellite car tracking.

James Duddridge, Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, has attacked the proposals for secretive pay-as-you-go trials, beginning in 2010.

They would involve vehicles being fitted with black boxes – similar to those used on airliners – which would allow the vehicles’ movements to be tracked.

It could eventually lead to drivers being charged for the distances they travel and the roads they choose to use.

Mr Duddridge said: “I would certainly not support such an idea.

“Road pricing in Britain is already some of the highest in the world.

“Adding to fuel tax, as the Government have been doing, is a pretty direct tax on the motorist.

“There is simply no need to add any more on top of that, and certainly no need to conduct trials like this in Essex when you can see the results of similar schemes elsewhere in the world.

“This technology is not proven, and trialing it in Essex is likely to prove to be just another white elephant from the Government.”

Details of the scheme have confirmed the Government is close to signing contracts with four companies who will be responsible for running the trials.

Initially, only 100 cars in Essex would be used to trial the new technology in January 2010, but members of the public will be asked to join the trials, from June 2010.

The plans have been heavily criticised by the Conservatives, who said the Government should start listening to drivers and scrap unwanted schemes.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman refuted claims the scheme was simply a revenue generator, and said the trials had already been announced last year.

She said: “We have been absolutely clear any proposal for national road pricing would need to address the legitimate concerns people have.

“We are a very long away from that, which is why our priority now and over the next decade is on tackling congestion where it is experienced most – in our cities and on our motorways.”

Essex is one of five areas which has been picked for the trials.