This study reviews recent developments in road pricing for managing road travel demand and congestion, and identifies potential pricing mechanisms to facilitate freight modal choice based on marginal social costs including environmental and other externalities. A review of international road pricing experience undertaken as part of the study reaffirms the view that public acceptance is critical to the implementation of road pricing. Road pricing is increasingly viewed as a concept that offers considerable benefit to society through its potential to improve road transport efficiency and reduce congestion and other impacts such as air pollution and noise. However, a definition of the precise form of congestion and measurement techniques that estimate the actual amount of congestion and the appropriate charge required, are either lacking or difficult to establish. New revenues raised, if appropriately used, can help to improve self-financing of infrastructure, public transport systems and encourage walking and cycling. Technological advances indicate that many applications are possible with road pricing technologies in the future. However, it is imperative that policies and practices are developed in relation to national standards, technologies and interoperability issues in this area. International road pricing experience suggests that moving from conception to actual implementation can take considerable time and effort. (Author/publisher)
Abstract