While studies have demonstrated the technical feasibility and economic benefits of introducing road user charging (RUC) schemes, limited public acceptability has been shown to be one of the key factors preventing successful public implementation. It is suggested that by systematically exploring the full range of RUC options that technology now permits, it should be possible to better identify RUC packages that meet stakeholder concerns while achieving strategic policy objectives. There is likely to be a trade-off between the effectiveness with which policy objectives are achieved and public acceptability. Acceptability can be increased by reducing charges, and increasing the range of exemptions or discounts, but this reduces the effectiveness of the scheme. Key concerns about RUC are tabulated. Public acceptability of RUC increases when the net revenues are hypothecated for transport-related improvements. A framework and tools are outlined to assist professionals wishing to explore the design options for introducing RUC in urban areas. Relating transport measures to local policy objectives is considered important to increase support for RUC. Use of a stakeholder needs guide to assist in consultations with stakeholder groups regarding RUC is recommended. A preliminary version of a RUC option development framework was tested using York as an example. At associated focus groups, a number of issues were identified that would probably have been missed without the existence of the framework. For the covering abstract see ITRD E124693.
Abstract