Abstract
In this paper, UK Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman describes proposals to introduce a national Road User Charging (RUC) system by 2020 in order to relieve traffic congestion. The previously announced Lorry Road User Charging (LRUC) scheme will be incorporated in the new RUC system. Seven cities will host trials intended to evaluate RUC technologies such as automatic number plate recognition, satellite systems, tag and beacon and mobile telephony. Costs, efficiency, compatibility and ability to deliver are major factors to be taken into account. Ladyman suggests that there would not be a single supplier due to the size and complexity of the project.