In the e-mail Blair explains that some way of improving traffic flow in mainland UK is essential, because if left unchecked the cost to the country of congestion would be £22bn by 2025, of which £10-12bn would be the direct cost to business.

Blair also explains that just building more roads would be too costly and also only act as a short-term fix.

The e-mail purports that as yet no decision has been made and reassures petitioners that it is not the Government's intention for a charging scheme to act as a 'Big Brother' or as a stealth tax.

Click here for the full e-mail.