The Integrated Transport White Paper issued in July 1998 by the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) has provided a firm commitment to the implementation of Road User Charging (RUC), particularly for application to congestion in urban areas. Using such an approach could be perceived by some as challenging given that until now, the British driver has only had to pay for certain tunnels and bridges and the remaining roads have been 'free' at the point of use. Although the aim is to reduce some, especially non-essential, vehicle usage through pricing mechanisms and use revenues to improve modal alternatives, the potential widespread nature of implementation will be a challenge. The DETR is adopting a systematic approach to defining the organisational, contractual, business and technical needs which could characterise RUC system deployment in Britain. Unlike some countries where there are very large distances between urban areas and where autonomous systems might be set up, such an option does not exist in the UK. This paper outlines how DETR is seeking to maximise the possibility of RUC implementation success. (A*)
Abstract