Road User Charging: Issues and Policies

This book aims to study the public policy decision-making process with respect to road user charging as a means of combating road traffic congestion in urban areas. It deals with how the process could be undertaken to achieve political acceptability and overcome potential barriers to implementation.

Due to factors such as congestion and pollution there is increased public and academic interest in road user charging. Until now the debate has focused on the economic theory of road user charging. However, a cogent economic case does not necessarily ensure public acceptance and subsequent implementation. This book seeks to provide an academic account of how such schemes might be implemented. It deals with how the decision-making process should be undertaken in order to secure political and public acceptability. This book bridges the gap between economic theory and public policy making and suggests policy options as a means of combating road traffic congestion in urban areas. The book includes a chapter on the Central London congestion charging scheme detailing the various factors which have resulted in its successful implementation. This is essential reading for academics, advanced students of transport, economics, public policy and the environment, and policy makers at the international, national and local levels.