This paper presents an overview of a European Commission policy White Paper on a new approach to transport infrastructure pricing. Demand for freight and passenger transport has increased, mostly in road transport, and congestion on roads and in airways has similarly increased. Environmental and safety factors are causing concern. Transport demand is likely to expand further in the next ten years, with increasing negative impacts. New policy aims should be structured around three areas: avoiding chronic congestion, addressing environmental consequences of transport, and improving safety and security. The aim of the White Paper is to propose a change of direction in the Common Transport Policy to ensure that the supply of transport services is available to meet demand, at a price that covers full costs. Investment in infrastructure will be needed, in particular on the railways, and private financing will be essential in partnership with the public sector. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118367.
Samenvatting