New technologies offer an ever-increasing number of improved methods to manage automobility in terms of time and space. Traffic congestion in and near cities and its consequences could be minimised with the introduction of city centre tolls or length-of-stay charges. Tolls or length-of-stay charges could be a critical factor in curbing automobility in the last link of the outward journey in the mobility chain in that they can promote alternative modes of transportation. Tolls and length-of-stay charges could be levied for the purpose of barring through traffic, reducing the number of people driving around looking for a free place to park their car and discouraging commuting in the city centre. The introduction of such tolls and length-of-stay charges will have many different results, although their precise nature is not yet known. Nor is it clear whether these measures will gain support. Parties that will be affected by the tolls and length-of-stay charges include residents in and around the city centre, entrepreneurs/shopkeepers, transport organisations and parking companies. However, the more serious the mobility problem becomes, the greater the support for measures to tackle the problem. Experience gained in European cities and from projects implemented in Europe has taught us that a number of aspects are critical in creating and developing support: familiarity with the system in question, freedom of choice and the availability of alternatives for users, first experiences with the system, communication, costs and the manner in which the income generated is used. It seems that people are more willing to pay tolls and other such charges if they know how the proceeds will be used. (Author/publisher)
Abstract