ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the literature with respect to decision making and road user charging. The review, based on the evidence from schemes either in existence or which have been considered, academic experience, conjecture or understanding, and attitude surveys, has raised a series of important issues. The local environment in which road user charging is being considered appears to be all important. Successful decision-making in terms of road user charging is in part dependant on the local environment in which a scheme is being considered. This refers to the severity of congestion, the quality of air, whether alternative policies have been exhausted, and whether a package of measures have been adopted. The business community concerns include the possible increase in truck delivery costs, the possible need to increase wages or employee parking subsidies to compensate for the higher commuting costs, or the need to shift employee work schedules, and possible competitive disadvantage with similar firms located outside the priced zone.
