Road user charging and business performance: identifying the processes of economic change

This paper presents the results of a survey of specialist knowledge concerning the processes of economic change that could impact business performance in city centres surrounded by road user charging cordons. The responses to charging operate in a complex and cyclical process, but the general trajectory and pattern of impacts show that charging with hypothecation may in the longer term enhance business performance in city centres. However, an overriding concern is how long it will take before the improvements reach their full effect. A number of key issues are identified for implementation of charging interventions including the need for greater awareness of the concerns of the business community, and their involvement in the planning process.