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The government's decision to scrap proposals for a national road-charging scheme must not be allowed to damage investment in the network, say haulage industry groups.

Speaking after a conference last week, transport secretary Lord Adonis announced that national road-user charging will not feature in the Labour manifesto for the next election.

He adds: "I don't believe as Britain is coming out of recession and motorists are feeling under pressure, that this is the time to put  road charging on the agenda."

However, Jack Semple, Road Haulage Association policy director, says lack of government investment in the road network is "costing the country dear" and his organisation would support a degree of road pricing, if it resulted in a particular road getting built.

He adds: "It is vital that the government continues to invest in our road network, and we hope that the decision to cut off the road pricing option will not affect this."

Jo Tanner, Freight Transport Association director of communications, says: "FTA members are broadly supportive of road pricing on the condition that a tangible benefit can be proven.

"A blanket 'no to road pricing' could be a real missed opportunity for any government wanting to reduce congestion in our cities,  which can only help businesses reliant in some shape and form on transport."

Chris Kingshott, MD, operations at Wincanton, adds that the UK road network is becoming "increasingly congested" and that this is affecting the productivity and efficiency of the UK.

Adonis says local programmes are still a possibility, but that any council looking to charge motorists would "have to prove they had public support".

A DfT spokesman says: "It's vital we provide a safe, reliable and sustainable road network, which is why we are extending hard-shoulder running to some of the busiest motorways, as well as funding other projects to tackle congestion."