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Avoid road tolls and charges

As roads become more crowded, governments across Europe are introducing charges to discourage motorists to switch from the busiest routes, either to an alternative route or a different form of transport. In the UK, for example, we have the London Congestion Charge and the M6 Toll.

Governments also use certain key routes to generate revenue, for example the Dartford Crossing and Severn Bridges in the UK and toll charges for bridges, tunnels and autoroutes in Europe.

Pay or delay?

To avoid paying the charges, you either find a different route or use an alternative mode of transport. In the case of the M6 Toll, there's a clear alternative in the 'ordinary' M6, plus the nearby major A-roads. But as these are all liable to peak time congestion, the stark choice is often pay up or hold-up.

Much the same applies for the Dartford Crossing, Severn Bridges and toll roads in Europe; there are other ways round, but they're likely to take longer. The exception is the London Congestion Charge.

You can still drive your private car into the Congestion Charge zone and be exempt from charges if it's a 'greener vehicle' - one that emits 100g/km or less CO2 and meets the Euro 5 standards, an electric vehicle or an electric hybrid.

So for example, a mid 2010-2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Duratorq TDCi manual with 98g/km CO2, will be exempt. As will a 2009 Toyota Prius T3 1.8VVTi petrol electric hybrid, with 89 g/km CO2. This Government website will show you the CO2 figures and fuel consumption for cars made from 2001 onwards.

Toll charges will almost certainly become more widespread and therefore harder to avoid. The penalties for the motorist will be cost, if you simply pay the charge or buy an exempt vehicle, or time if you take a detour or try a different and possibly slower mode of transport.

	Use less fuel

	Choose the 'greenest' cars

	Pay less road tax

	Avoid big garage bills