This report considers the likely impact of road pricing in the UK. The aim of road pricing is to make journeys more reliable, reduce pollution and contribute to the creation of wealth. Road pricing scenarios are considered on the basis (1) that either surplus funds are returned to drivers or (2) that surplus funds are devoted to general public spending. The second scenario would result in a greater reduction in driving than the first scenario, particularly in rural areas. In big towns, suburbs and letropolitan areas with high levels of congestion traffic would be cut by as much as 30% under both scenarios. Making rural driving cheaper might encourage people to move from the cities and suburbs to rural areas and add to long distance commuting. The second scenario could dampen economic activity in rural areas. Since urban commuter trains are already full it is assumed that capacity would have to be added to bus services. Greater London would be the most expensive place to drive but Greater Londoners are among the least car-dependent people in the UK. No clear correlation was found between poor people and the effects of road pricing because poor people are widely distributed across the country. Average road charges per week are estimated as £20 in Greater London , £6 in the North-East, £3 in the English Midlands and Wales and £2 in other areas. Some drivers would change departure times or car pool. Management of the road pricing revenue is discussed. Other effects of road pricing on the housing market, workplace location, land use patterns, low paid essential workers and hauliers still need to be answered.
Abstract