For those of us who watch the world of road pricing and tolls, the overwhelming no vote against the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) package in Manchester, UK is a significant set back for road pricing in the UK and perhaps the world. Opponents of the concept that pricing can manage demand, despite proven success in other markets and for utilities, will point to theManchester results and say that people may accept it in other markets buttransport is different, drivers are different or already pay enough. RoadPricing is just another tax on top of several other taxes and fees. Enough is enough is the emotive cry from this quarter. Others content that the benefits were not clear. Still others state that there was no trust ingovernment to deliver the package of benefits. Many put the fault on political differences or the lack of a clear leader or champion. Some are more philosophical and point to post-ballot sentiments that road user charging is inevitable, but in a recessionary economic period people will not vote for any new charges or taxes.
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