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Urban transport pricing remains a key theme in European transport policy as a means of reducing road traffic. In the UK, the London Congestion Charge has led the way and further initiatives across the country could appear in the future as congestion worsens.
There are also a range of major road pricing initiatives either underway or planned across Europe, ranging from congestion charges to toll roads. This combination makes it increasingly likely that over the next few years drivers will come across road charging schemes.
The problem at the moment is that they all operate in different ways, using a variety of enforcement methods and signage. Across Europe, different schemes also seek different outcomes. Some exist purely to raise revenue while others aim to reduce congestion and redistribute the number of vehicles on the roads at different times of the day. Some have environmental objectives and others provide a combination of the above.
Inconsistency causes confusion, and as things stand, drivers will face a disparate set of charging zones. For example, on a trip across Europe the motorist could come across the London Congestion Charge which they pay over the phone, travel through France where they stop at payment booths for certain motorways, pay another congestion charge in Italy, but this time at a city pay point, and then a motorway toll in Hungary using the time-based Vignette system.
At the moment, it can not be said that road pricing is common yet, so now is the time to establish some clear and consistent principles. If developments in this area continue then it will be essential to have some standards that at a minimum are applied nationally and ideally across the EU.
As a starting point, a consistent payment method, whether that be card based or online, and standard road signage would make it far easier for drivers to comply with road charging systems. It can be hard enough to find a location on a long journey without the added complexity of bespoke and unfamiliar road charging systems.
There are a number of reasons why road charging is a preferred option; providing cleaner, safer, quieter cities, with more efficient transport networks for all travellers. Because of this it isn't going to go away, but without some level of consistency, it could easily become a confusing headache for drivers.
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