November 2006 RM Journal
The End of the Free Ride?: Road Pricing in the UK and Lessons for New Zealand
Urban centres around the world are struggling to address their transport problems. Vast numbers of frustrated motorists, typically driving alone, crawl along motorways and sit jammed at traffic lights. Attempts by policy makers to build their way out of the problem with new roads may momentarily ease the problem, but rarely have lasting effects. Fresh approaches are required and road pricing is rising in prominence as a potential tool for addressing transport issues. The debate is alive on New Zealand shores, with officials in the process of grappling with the merits of road pricing to help ease Auckland’s clogged roads. Whilst the Government ponders the results of the consultation earlier this year on the Auckland Road Pricing Evaluation Study, it is timely to consider the UK’s experience with road pricing and possible lessons for New Zealand.
