So, road pricing is introduced and congestion is reduced. The government gets lots of money and we get less congestion.
Why do we get less congestion? I assume it's because some trips are priced off the road. So where do they go? Do they go to other forms of transport or simply not happen? I suspect we'll find that many of them simply don't happen or move onto uncongested (and thus cheaper) roads until they too are congested - this might also increase distances drive, journey times and fuel used (ie CO2 emmissions).
The end result is that some low value economic activity might stop happening.
I know that using public transport I could get from home to work and back for about 25% of what it costs me to drive to and from work. However, the journey would take at least 59 min (TFL web site) and a hour and 17 mins if I want to arrive at my normal start of work time rather than the typical driving time of 15 to 20 mins. With a similar time saving in the evening I get an extra 90mins which I spend with my family.
In fact, if I took public transport to work I'd see my 3 year old son for about an hour in the morning and I might, if he's not tired, see him in the evening too.
For me the choice is simple...
Why do we get less congestion? I assume it's because some trips are priced off the road. So where do they go? Do they go to other forms of transport or simply not happen? I suspect we'll find that many of them simply don't happen or move onto uncongested (and thus cheaper) roads until they too are congested - this might also increase distances drive, journey times and fuel used (ie CO2 emmissions).
The end result is that some low value economic activity might stop happening.
I know that using public transport I could get from home to work and back for about 25% of what it costs me to drive to and from work. However, the journey would take at least 59 min (TFL web site) and a hour and 17 mins if I want to arrive at my normal start of work time rather than the typical driving time of 15 to 20 mins. With a similar time saving in the evening I get an extra 90mins which I spend with my family.
In fact, if I took public transport to work I'd see my 3 year old son for about an hour in the morning and I might, if he's not tired, see him in the evening too.
For me the choice is simple...
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