In 1999 and 2000, the United Kingdom Parliament enacted legislation which gave local authorities powers to introduce congestion charging to manage traffic demand. Apart from paying to drive on a few small roads across private land, paying for roads at point of use is a novel concept in the UK, it is something that British motorists only encounter when they travel on the mamland of Europe, in France or Italy for instance. It seems likely that it will take several years to establish congestion charging schemes in major towns and cities, where changing entrenched habits and attitudes among road users will need careful handling by local politicians. In many cases it will also be necessary to make improvements in public transport provision before charging is introduced so that car drivers have a good quality alternative available. But, conversely, in sensitive areas well away from the congested cities, people seem more ready to accept charging as a means to improve and enhance the environment, and schemes can be introduced more quickly. Decisions by local authorities in these areas to adapt congestion charging to their particular circumstances - to use it more as an 'entry' charge - and to relate it to the preservation of the vulnerable environment is attracting widespread interest. This paper looks at why electronic technology has not been chosen for these sensitive environments. It suggests that there is a significant potential for electronic systems in such areas but that schemes will need to be sensitive to the local environment. For the covering abstract see ITRD E209471.
Samenvatting