Results & Conclusions

Barbara DaviesBRISTOL CITY COUNCIL

EURoPrice 213th December 2002 - Brussels

FINAL CONFERENCE

EURoPrice

“EURoPrice was set up to advance road pricing initiatives through investigation of the political issues faced by cities. It involves co-operation and support between the EC, city authorities, both politicians and senior policy makers, who are considering the implementation of road pricing”

EURoPrice – Phase 1

December 1998 – December 2000 8 participating cities:

– Belfast, Bristol, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Genoa, Leicester, Rome & Trondheim

• Key Objectives To undertake a series of joint fora addressing the key issues

involved in implementing road pricing schemes

To inform and support the national and European policy debate on road pricing

To disseminate the experience gained to other cities in Europe who are considering road pricing in order to speed up the process of wider implementation

Phase 1 - Reports

3 Technical papers:– City Status – review of city activities and basic plans– Policy issues and barriers – problems faced by cities in

implementing road pricing– Stakeholders views – e.g. local businesses, freight

operators, public transport

Summary of Findings

Road pricing has become accepted as a policy measure to combat pollution and congestion

Cities considering implementing such a scheme should be aware of the main policy issues identified by the EURoPrice cities

Key stakeholders are vital to the success of a pricing scheme, and must be consulted effectively to raise the level of awareness and support

There is still much to learn from the cities particularly in acceptance issues, technology and implementation.

City led network

Need for political perspective

Focus on cities who are considering measures

Support for cities

Learning from each other

www.europrice-network.orgwww.europrice-network.org

BristolBristol

EdinburghEdinburghCopenhagenCopenhagen

GenoaGenoa

RomeRome

BelfastBelfast

LeicesterLeicesterLeedsLeeds

TrondheimTrondheim

AmsterdamAmsterdam

Members 2000/1

Current Members

EURoPrice – Phase 2

EURoPrice – Phase 2

• Working to understand and report on the political issues facing cities in developing schemes

• Informing and supporting the national and European policy debate on road pricing.

• Disseminating experience gained to other cities in Europe in order to speed up the process of wider implementation.

EURoPrice Papers

1. Marketing Controversial Issues

2. Consultation with the Business Community

3. Technical and Operational Issues

4. Complementary Measures

5. The Development of a Successful Organisational Framework

Guidance Paper 1

Marketing Controversial Issues

Experiences of the cities in marketing controversial transport schemes, in particular those associated with road pricing schemes– Linkages to and influences consultation of such

schemes– Best practice and guidance for effective marketing

Guidance Paper 1 – Conclusions

Although the social, environmental and economic problems associated with congestion are accepted the solutions can be viewed as unfair and politically risky

To overcome risks the cities need to engage in effective consultation and marketing exercises

8 point checklist developed, highlighting the need for preparation, promoting the benefits, roles of stakeholders and political champions.

Guidance Paper 2

Consultation with the Business Community

Study into consultation with the business community on road pricing projects. Using the experience of the cities and others to provide guidelines on how to conduct an effective consultation with the business community. A summary of the business sector views is also provided.

Guidance Paper 2 - Conclusions

Two essential issues to be addressed: Establishing an on-going relationship with the business

community Developing a strategy for future consultation activities

In addition the paper provides further suggestions for consultation including use of existing organisations, ensuring appropriate seniority of contacts, presenting information

Guidance Paper 3

Technical and Operational Issues

Considers the Technical and Operational issues in implementing Road Pricing schemes and their effects on the acceptability of road pricing as a policy tool as well as the future technology options according to the lesson learnt in the cities

Access control system in Rome

Guidance Paper 3 - Conclusions

Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) technology is proven but there may issues surrounding visual intrusion and safety.

The use of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technique is becoming more common.

In general, satellite and ANPR systems are becoming more affordable and reliable systems.

– However, there is still the need for camera enforcement. – ANPR systems still have a high failure rate (~15%) for detection. – GPS-based positioning systems are presently not reliable.

Large-scale research and demonstration projects into road pricing, such as PRoGRESS, are also vital for moving issues forward.

Guidance Paper 4

Complementary Measures

Investigates why the introduction of a road pricing scheme is often accompanied by or is part of a larger package of complementary measures

- How does this lead to successful introduction of a scheme?

- Is it because of the possible positive influence on the acceptability of road pricing by the public that complementary measures have become part of the deal?

- Or are they necessary to reach a maximum effect of road pricing or maybe even to diminish negative equity or equality effects of road pricing on the inhabitants?

Guidance Paper 4 - Conclusions

The package of measures is composed to meet the following demands:

– Improve the quality and variety of alternative modes to provide a better choice

– Diminish negative effects of road pricing when introduced– Prestigious infrastructure projects, are funded with the revenues

of road pricing.

Timing is important – Improvements of alternative modes are realised – Road pricing is accompanied by measures to diminish

any negative effects on equality or surrounding areas – Finally, the major prestigious projects are implemented

Should be linked with consultation to develop a package of investments for acceptability

Guidance Paper 5

The Development of a Successful Organisational Framework

Understand the type of organisational framework needed to implement a road pricing scheme

- Legislative background- Organisational structures- Framework and issues

Guidance Paper 5 - Conclusions

Diversity in the cities due to different levels of implementation and variations in legislation and political structure

Problems are the acceptability process and the related political debate and the legislative and bureaucratic framework

New roles and rules take time and resources to develop

Road pricing needs to be implemented with other complementary measures

Checklist to Introduce Strategy

Prepare Context Stakeholders Involve and Engage

Prepare for Opposition

Social Inclusion Economic Vitality

Special Interest Groups

Best Value and Performance

Indicators

Financial Issues

Technology Issues

Legislative Operational Issues

Wider

Strategies

Linkages

DG TREN

IMPRINT

CIVITASPROJECTS

METEORCUPID

PROGRESS

EUROPRICE

Political viewpointNOT Technical Issues

Further Information

Newsletters Available electronically from the website or from the project office

Websitewww.europrice-network.org

Project OfficeC/o Transport Initiatives, Bristol City CouncilWilder House, Wilder Street, Bristol, BS2 8PHEmail: transport_initiatives@bristol-city.gov.uk