Feasibility Study of Road Pricing in the UK

Book excerpt: This study considers the feasibility of options for a new system of charging for road use in the UK, in order to make better use of road capacity and to help reduce traffic congestion. This would mean moving away from the current motoring taxation system and introducing a variable charging system depending on the level of road congestion. Issues discussed include: public attitudes, travel trends, options for national road pricing, institutional aspects of implementation, possible interim options to a national scheme, including the UK lorry road user charging scheme and local congestion charging pathfinder schemes. Amongst the report's conclusions, it finds that national road pricing is becoming feasible in the medium-term (in 10 to 15 years) and could meet the Government's objectives. However, its successful implementation requires the promotion of a greater degree of public acceptance. Although a national scheme is still some years off, a number of practical steps can be taken now in preparation, including promoting a public debate to inform and raise awareness, with research into road users' behaviour and implications for business; working with car manufacturers in the development of vehicle technology standards; and working with local authorities on introducing local charging schemes to tackle congestion problems. This document is published alongside the Transport White Paper "The future of transport: a network for 2030" (Cm. 6234, ISBN 0101623429).