Road Pricing is discussed as a means of financing transport projects or as a regulating and incentive instrument for the prevention of congestion, environmental damage and capacity growth. The study carried out an in-depth investigation of the technical and economic aspects of possible concepts and their acceptability, in association with a EU project. Although many things are technically feasible, highly differentiated systems only make sense if there is international compatibility (interoperability), and consequently they cannot be realised in the short term. Representative surveys in Berne, Zurich and Geneva, as well as interviews with key actors and organisations, show that road pricing is still viewed with great scepticism. It meets with more acceptance as a means of financing better or new roads, or public transport. In the short term, the authors would favour no more than simple regional fees in urban areas, if any. Road pricing for new routes (such as Zurich Lake Tunnel) would be possible, ideally in combination with private contractors. Apart from concepts for Zurich and Berne, the study also outlines steps leading to distance-related road pricing in Switzerland in the more distant future. The separate publication M20 provides more in-depth information on technical aspects. The project will be presented at the conference "Acceptance" on 26th October 2000. (A)
Samenvatting