In spite of the important role of accessibility in transport geography, the geographical and accessibility effects of road pricing have not yet been specifically studied. Accessibility can be computed by means of accessibility measures. Such measures often consist of opportunities and impedance components. There are, however, a number of shortcomings attached to accessibility measures, all of which prevent one from realistically describing the accessibility effects of road pricing conditions. This article presents measurement component improvement alternatives. The simulation study cited, which has adapted contour measuring, provides preliminary insight into the possible accessibility effects of road pricing. The adaptations suggested involve incorporating the changes in costs and travelling times that are due to the effects of road pricing. The simulation study may be seen as a first attempt to allow accessibility measures to justify the accessibility effects of road pricing in a more realistic way. The study does not, however, provide preliminary knowledge of the possible accessibility effects of road pricing. Though measures need to be improved and more sensitivity analyses need to be carried out, preliminary results would indicate that accessibility does not necessarily have to decrease when road pricing mechanisms are implemented. Indeed, for certain groups accessibility might even increase. (Author/publisher)
Abstract