Impacts of road user charging/workplace parking levy on social inclusion/exclusion : gender, ethnicity and lifecycle issues - final report.

This is the final report of a 15-month project on the social inclusion/exclusion impacts of road user charging (RUC) and workplace parking levy (WPPL) with reference to gender, ethnicity and life cycle issues. The study consisted of a literature review, focus groups, travel diaries and interviews mainly in low income or ethnic minority areas. The study was conducted in Bristol and Nottingham, UK. The key study findings in Bristol were high awareness of congestion and low awareness of RUC. RUC was acceptable only if the revenue was used for improving public transport and parking problems. There was evidence in one low-income area that stolen cars were being used to provide essential journeys for elderly relatives. Some groups preferred to remain within their immediate neighbourhoods even when they had the means to leave them. The present pattern of radial transport was a mismatch for social needs. Older members of ethnic groups lacked bus information in an appropriate language. Concerns about personal safety when using buses were expressed. Dial-a-ride services were difficult to book. Public perceptions of accessibility were lower than professional perceptions of accessibility. The travel diaries indicated that White and Asian respondents relied on cars and that elderly people were dependent on them especially when disabled or unwell. Young people were more likely to walk or be car passengers and did not find bus services attractive. Men were generally more mobile than women. White people travelled twice the distance of Asian people. Work or education was the most common trip purpose. In the Nottingham study there was high awareness of the WPPL and concern that the revenue be used to improve public transport. However the disruption caused by road works for the tram system was causing problems. Complaints were made about concessionary bus fare schemes and accessibility of services. Public transport was viewed more positively in Nottingham than in Bristol. Travel diaries suggested that the WPPL would have greatest impact on people aged 26-45. People over 66 were the least mobile group. It is suggested that congestion charging schemes should be audited for equity.