The AA published a survey of nearly 17,500 members this week reporting that 86% of their members do not trust the government to deliver a fair system of road pricing, though 42% of members support the principle of a pay-as-you-go system. With increasingly negative press surrounding the debate, it is not surprising that the AA/Populus came to the conclusion they did.

There are a number of aspects to the road pricing debate such as public acceptability, trust in government and an understanding of the technological capabilities. The survey reports that 86% of respondents would not trust the government to keep its promise to introduce reductions in fuel duty or road tax as a means of offsetting the costs of road pricing. The government will need to take steps to improve public opinion on the matter by clearly setting out their goals and continuing to engage with industry at the earliest opportunity.

Road pricing is a sensitive issue. Given rising fuel and road taxes as well as the increasing cost of transportation in general, people are unwilling to see yet another tax thrust upon them.

Some transport economists, planners and academics see road pricing is a means of tackling congestion. The Stern Review and the Eddington Study both promote the economic and environmental benefits of road pricing. However, the government appears to have backed away from a national road pricing strategy and instead is leaving the decision to local government. Central government is encouraging local authorities to look at implementing road pricing schemes through the DfT’s Transport Innovation Fund (TIF). Manchester City Council and Cambridgeshire City Council have both submitted a TIF bid and are awaiting the government’s decision.

The AA/Populus survey reports that 51% of respondents are strongly opposed to local road pricing schemes. In spite of the public opposition to local road pricing, it would seem it is here to stay. The London Congestion Charging system has been running for 5 years and in all likelihood Manchester and Cambridgeshire will implement road pricing schemes in the future.

Industry has a central role to play in ensuring that road-pricing schemes operate effectively, particularly as ICT will prove essential in underpinning secure, acceptable and successful schemes. It is clear that the technology designed to offer safe, secure and efficient options for road pricing schemes is already available. Manchester City Council is currently looking at the Tag and Beacon system, Automatic Number Plate Recognition and Global Navigation Satellite Systems. The Council is working towards a planned introduction date of 2013.

Intellect is keen to engage with government, local authorities and other key stakeholders as early as possible to ensure that the approach taken by local authorities is the most appropriate. This will enable stakeholders to understand the future requirements, drivers and develop appropriate strategies.

It is important that a more accurate picture of technology, and its success in helping to deliver government objectives, is presented to both public authorities and the general public.

By Carla Baker, Programme Manager