PERHAPS unthinkably, but with some certainty, within the present decade, drivers will need to book a slot to travel on UK and perhaps European motorways.

Drivers of certain types of vehicles will, most likely, be given priority status. For example, coaches, freight vehicles, airport taxis and other regular motorway users, travelling to and from work.

However, drivers who plan to use motorway routes for holiday travel, or other excursions, will need to book their motorway slots in good time, say seven days in advance.

It is likely that satvav equipment will be made compulsory fitting in vehicles. Then, drivers e will be required to book in their intended destination, indicating the day and start travelling time. This will be done by using the web or landline telephone.

The registration number of the vehicle will enable the DVLA, or similar agency, to identify the Road Fund Tax Disc holder and the vehicle.

Motorways users' units operating in the UK, and similarly in Europe, will helpfully do the rest - give permission to travel and advise best route to take.

Via their satnav earpiece, drivers will be advised, at the point of departure, what junction they should join the motorway; maintain an average speed of travel, lanes to use, and their exit motorway junction.

However, if by need, say a domestic emergency, drivers leave it too late to book a motorway route, they will still be legally entitled to travel on a motorway, but in doing so will attract a small charge. This sum will be added to their road fund tx, when renewed, say £10 for each unauthorised trip.

Clearly, the on-going mtorway chaos, especially at peak times and over holiday periods, needs to be urgently considered and remedial action taken.

Regular users such as commercial vehicle operators, people using motorways for travel to and from work, could be entitled to book their slot for periods in advance.

Given this possible future scenario, there would seem to be no need to introduce moorway rad carging.

The Department for Transport, the DVLA, and associated groups, may at this time, be setting up a UK Motorways Users' Unit.

The UK Motorway Users' Unit should be linked with local and regional traffic monitoring facilities and at sea ports for foreign vehicles entering the UK.

All foreign vehicle drivers would have to ensure that they too had permission to travel on UK motorways.

RAYMOND ANGEL, Southampton.