Council bosses across Scotland are being asked to consider introducing congestion charges for towns and cities.
A commission set up by the Scottish Government has made several suggestions to help make shopping streets more pedestrian friendly.
The team of experts, led by architect Malcolm Fraser, are looking at ways of breathing new life into city and town centres and have said fees for incoming motorists could be an option.
Last night, Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing refused to rule the idea out, but one Inverness councillor said it would be a “punitive” measure for motorists in the Highlands.
Congestion charges have been in place in London for several years, with motorists charged £11.50 daily to drive in within a central zone.
Richard Laird, ward member for Inverness Central said: “I don’t think Inverness has a big enough problem with congestion.
“In London, they have real problems with traffic that we don’t have in Inverness.
“It might work in Greater Glasgow, but in Inverness we have people coming to work from places where there aren’t buses at all.
“Charging people for the privilege to come to Inverness would be punitive.”
Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Alex Johnstone MSP said previous attempts to introduce congestion charging were “a complete disaster”.
In 2005, 74% of voters in Edinburgh rejected plans for charges.
North-east MSP Mr Johnstone added: “For the SNP to even suggest to councils they look into the possibility is the first step on the ladder of rank hypocrisy.
“If they really believe congestion charges are a good idea, they should be out there right now campaigning and making their case.
“It is an absurd idea and should be kicked into the longest grass possible.”
A government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government will not be prescriptive on what measures should be taken to meet local needs but will help to create the right conditions to facilitate action for town centre regeneration.”