Road Charging

Feasibility studies

Feasibility or scoping studies are often the first stage when assisting an Authority that might be considering RUC. They can help answer a range of initial questions through collating information on existing schemes or previous studies, undertaking initial impact assessment, appraisal of scheme options against objectives and scoping out what further work is required in key areas.

TTR have a strong track-record in producing rigorous feasibility studies for several UK cities that enable our clients to answer a first set of questions from within their organisations (both at officer and political levels) and as a basis for stakeholder discussion.

Administration and Enforcement

A key question for the design of any RUC or WPL scheme is what effective administration and enforcement options are available. Cost-effectiveness is a key consideration, but administration systems must also be straightforward for road users to understand and enforcement needs to be perceived as effective.

TTR carried out a major study for the Department for Transport (DfT) on the enforcement and administration of road user charging schemes, ranging from paper based area licensing schemes to electronic congestion charging schemes. This led to detailed recommendations which have been adopted in DfT guidance on these issues.

Design Principles and Scheme Design

Producing an outline scheme design is a method of testing the fit between good practice and the environment in which an Authority may wish to implement a scheme, and investigate further any significant scheme options.

Under commission to DfT, we drew up initial expert guidance for local authorities on designing and implementing road user charging schemes. When defining an initial scheme for road user charging in Bristol city centre, TTR considered the type of charging scheme to be implemented, its geographic extent, how it could operate, potential costs and revenues, and possible roles for private sector finance. We also assessed the advantages and disadvantages of alternative technological solutions.

Scheme impacts

Scheme impact assessment should be guided by the broad evaluation categories, as recommended in DfT Transport Assessment Guidance. TTR’s track record in advising on demand management as a policy tool draws on this approach, while paying particular attention to issues of environment and accessibility. We are also experienced at carrying out research into travel behaviour, perceptions and reactions to transport policy measures. This provides particular insight into the types of impact that can arise from measures such as RUC and WPL.

TTR consulted with employers in Nottingham on their anticipated behaviour, should a workplace parking levy be introduced in the city and undertook surveys with drivers in the West Midlands to gauge reaction to signing and enforcement aspects of the M42 Automated Traffic Management systems.

Demonstration and scheme evaluation

TTR’s understanding of RUC comes partly from our role in a number of demonstration projects, with members of the public or businesses assisting the trial of technologies for vehicle detection and charging. This has fed into current understanding on the types and levels of charge that stimulate behavioural change and the perceptions surrounding alternatives and their use.

TTR has worked with Bristol City Council to implement and evaluate large scale demonstrations of microwave (tag and beacon) and later GPS technologies in urban and inter-urban settings. Evaluations of the changes in driver behaviour as well as the technical performance of detection and ANPR enforcement systems were also completed. We also led the European funded CUPID project which acted as an expert forum and dissemination network on road user charging issues. The project developed an evaluation framework and road user charging demonstration projects in 8 European cities.

Equity Issues

It is becoming increasingly important to consider the role of transport in overcoming barriers to accessing jobs, services and goods in any scheme design. Our expertise in research with hard-to-reach groups provides a solid basis for understanding and assessing scheme impacts in this subject area, and advising on the best approach. TTR has a particular competence for research on issues relevant to disabled people and a track record in human factors and ergonomics related research.

TTR were commissioned by Fife Council to undertake a study of equity issues relating to the road user charging proposals being developed by the City of Edinburgh, and their impact on Fife.

Scheme Acceptance

Stakeholder consultation is an important stage in the process of scheme development, with public perceptions and attitudes one of the key considerations. TTR has a long-standing reputation for assisting Authorities with consultation exercises and we offer a creative approach to their design and undertaking. A range of approaches to developing scheme acceptance are in evidence from those taking congestion management schemes forward, and TTR with its European overview can advise on a range of strategies.