Urban congestion charging: Road pricing as a traffic reduction measure

Abstract

Although traffic congestion is recognised as a major problem, the implementation of congestion reducing measures eludes most metropolitan areas suffering from traffic congestion, as many oppose the notion of being charged. Despite the best efforts of transport planners and economists, such measures have unwanted affects on the urban environment in which we live. It is therefore essential to implement congestion reducing measures with full knowledge of its likely effects as to overcome the majority of obstacles to implementation. This paper reports the results of an empirical investigation in London and formulates initiatives in the form of a package approach aimed at alleviating the negative effects of road pricing, whilst supporting sustainable development and nurturing public and political acceptance. The paper concludes that the key to dealing with the effects of road pricing, is developing an approach considering a range of differing initiatives, coordinating and managing them in the realm of the political-economic context in which they exist based upon recognising local perceptions, concerns, aspirations and solutions.