More than nine in 10 motorists do not trust the government to reinvest money made from tolls on new roads, according to a survey by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Overall 91% of drivers in the survey made such an assertion, while 60% of motorists do not support toll roads and 79% of motorists would not support the introduction of tolls on existing roads.

However, 40% of motorists would back more expensive tax discs instead of charging tolls on roads. The study also found that 41% wouldn't support toll roads even if other types of tax were reduced.

Motorists were divided on using toll roads. Although the IAM's question here allows for a misleading impression, 47% per cent of motorists said they don't plan their journey to deliberately avoid using toll roads while 44% do. How those proportions change when drivers are faced with a choice between the two while travelling is not reported.

The IAM does report that motorists feel strongly about toll roads in their local area, with 56% of respondents saying that they would use rural or local roads to avoid toll charges if such a levy was enforced on their local motorway.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: "The cost of motoring is currently at an all-time high, and it's clear that the idea of bringing in toll roads has no support among everyday motorists. A toll on motorways, our safest roads, may force motorists on to more dangerous rural roads to save money.

"The government has a very hard job ahead to convince drivers that tolls are the only way to deliver new roads and improve existing ones. Only by reducing other motoring taxes can this policy gain the support of the motorist."