THE public could be convinced of the benefits of a national road pricing scheme if the government improved public transport and invested in new infrastructure, a report has predicted.

But the government had `a mountain to climb in turning around public opinion', said Ann Rossiter, director of the Social Market Foundation (SMF), which produced the report.

Transport Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman, speaking at the launch of the report yesterday, said road pricing could make a real difference and that was why pilot schemes were being developed.

The report said that congestion had worsened in the past two decades and was set to continue.

Ms Rossiter said: "As we have seen in just the last couple of weeks, there is widespread hostility toward road pricing.

"However, our report shows that by investing in new infrastructure and improved public transport the public can be convinced of the benefits of a national road pricing scheme to reduce carbon emissions and congestion while boosting the economy."