This paper presents some results of research to assess some driver responses to user charging systems. The research considered four charging regimes: (1) fixed cordon charging; (2) fixed distance-based charging; (3) real-time time-based charging; and (4) real-time congestion-based charging. Four separate experiments were conducted. 54 drivers, of whom 39 were male and almost half were aged under 26, were tested on a driving simulator over a simulated 4.5km urban route, and incorporating several situations where the drivers' response to hazard and risk could be measured automatically. The effects of charging regimes on their behaviour were investigated. The field trial tested a tolling system based on a global positioning system (GPS). It involved 45 volunteers, and covered point-based and distance-based pricing. The tests of a specially adapted VLADIMIR route choice simulator were conducted at the workplaces of 83 subjects in central Leeds, England. They estimated the effects on route choice behaviour, if Leeds were to introduce road user charges. Two versions of a questionnaire were designed for commuters into car parks into central Leeds and central Newcastle, to assess responses to introducing a charge. It was found that real-time charging encourages increased risk taking.
Abstract