There has been no published study to date concerning the wider sustainability issues surrounding road user charging in the UK, although numerous authors have discussed the economic and political feasibility of road user charging and the implications of charging. This research examines the environmental, social, legal, economic and political (sustainability) issues surrounding road user charging, in six local authorities using an in-depth case-study protocol. Interviews were conducted and documentary material collected with senior local authority strategic transport planners, business representatives, environmental co-ordinators and Passenger Transport Executives in those local authorities which intended to take up, were considering, or had ruled out charging as a means of combating congestion. Based on the case study findings: to produce a rudimentary sustainability framework and by suggesting a range of issues that need to be addressed before charging is introduced, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made which will help to facilitate the implementation of road user charging schemes in the future. This framework could also contribute to the production of a set of national best-practice guidelines for road user charging implementation. (A)
Samenvatting