By Sam Hardy

30th May 2007

That's because new technology, which could form the basis for a UK-wide 'pay-as-you-pollute' charging system, has been presented to the Department for Transport (DfT) by software firm Lysanda.

	Using equipment which calculates exhaust emissions on the move, it would be possible to create a charging scheme based on the amount of CO2 emitted from a car's exhaust, rather than the distance travelled

Auto Express has been exclusively shown the new technology working. Using equipment which calculates exhaust emissions on the move, it would be possible to create a charging scheme based on the amount of CO2 emitted from a car's exhaust, rather than the distance travelled.

According to Lysanda, the DfT is currently investigating the device, which can calculate a vehicle's real-world CO2 emissions while it is being driven on the road, store the results and send them electronically over the mobile phone network.

Former motor industry engineers at the Essex-based automotive software company have developed the system, called Eco-Log. Rather than use expensive exhaust probes, it plugs directly into the car's On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system to calculate engine emissions, then shows the results on a dashboard display. Designed primarily with fleet operations in mind - Lysanda is set to trial the system with supermarket giant Tesco - Eco-Log is initially being used to help large companies calculate their 'carbon footprint'. Fitted with a tracking device, the set-up can be used by fleet managers to monitor driving styles, which can then help to cut CO2 emissions, improve fuel economy and reduce costs.

"There is certainly the potential for Eco-Log to be used for road tolling," said Lysanda commercial director Simon Harris. "We are currently talking with the Department for Transport about the development of a policy agenda, and are aiming to get the technology used in a road charging application."

Although the DfT would not comment on the project, a spokesman said: "The primary focus of a road pricing plan is to reduce congestion, but if the knock-on effect is an environmental benefit, that is welcome, too."

Lysanda is also aiming to license Eco-Log to car makers. "Ultimately the system could end up as a dashboard device, integrated with the vehicle's satellite navigation," continued Harris. Such a set-up could cost as little as £500 per vehicle, and with instant graphical displays of CO2 emissions on the move, would act as a very visible way of helping motorists to drive more economically.

Lysanda has developed the system for diesel engines for now - a petrol version is the next step.

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