| Hours to complete | 2.00 |
| No of pages | 10 |
| Published | October 2005 |
| Updated | March 2008 |
| See more in | Transport |
| Author | Andrew Last, Part-time lecturer, Oxford Brookes University, Department of Planning, Consultant with Minnerva Ltd |
| Relevance | |
| Price | GBP 10.00 |
Congestion Charging
Purpose
This knowledge builder examines the topical issue of congestion charging. Otherwise known as road user charging or road pricing it is the concept of charging drivers of road vehicles for use of public roads at rates that depend upon the level of congestion.
Benefits
The long-term benefit of road pricing is to introduce a monetary incentive to road users to avoid congested areas which ultimately should be reflected in their decisions about where to live, work, shop and so on. Its short-term impact may well be to discourage car use in congested areas – and particularly travel to large urban centres. It is important for planners to appreciate that reduced congestion – the most-quoted public objective of road pricing – should not be achieved at the expense of the economic vitality of existing urban centres.
Audience
Urban and regional planners and all those wishing to build and assess their knowledge of the topic.
Learning method
A topical knowledge builder which explores the current drive toward this form of charging and considers potential planning pitfalls. Additionally a comprehensive range of further reading is provided for those who wish to become expert in the subject. Includes voluntary self assessment for recording continuous professional development (CPD).





