The Conservatives are considering a radical overhaul of transport policy in an attempt to embrace "the principles of eco-taxation", according to Steve Norris, the former minister charged with reforming the party's manifesto on the subject.

The party needs to re-examine its reputation as the "motorist's friend," said Mr Norris, the former transport minister who is leading the Tories' transport working party. He is also proposing that the Conservatives should put an increased levy on short-haul air travel, arguing that the "polluter" should pay for refusing to make short or medium length international journeys by rail.