CONGESTION CHARGING FOR LONDON

A brief description is given of the London Congestion Charging Research Programme which is examining the anticipated impacts of congestion charging and the technology available to carry it out. Begun in November 1991, it is scheduled to be completed at the end of 1994. Established transport models for London such as LTS are being supplemented by a number of additional studies which include: a) choice of travel time, b) demand elasticities, c) commercial vehicle operations, d) travel time relaiability and network performance, e) parking search time, and f) employer assisted car use. From this a three-tier demand and supply model structure is being developed. A charging system which satisfies all the criteria laid down has yet to be identified but is expected to have been developed by the year 2000. Research suggests that reducing congestion will have to be accompanied by other measures in order to prove acceptable.