Territorial Review Copenhagen - Region Hovedstaden

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Box 2.5 Some examples of congestion charges in OECD countries
Road pricing is a programme whereby the government directly charges users
for using a congested section of a transportation network during a congested
time. Road pricing attracts more attention because of the rather recent
introduction of congestion charges in London and Stockholm. The purpose of
the congestion charge is not only financing and funding road infrastructure but
also introducing demand management in transportation system. By charging for
use of the congested section and hours, government can deter drivers from using
those sections. Reducing the impact of the congested traffic on the environment
and health is often an additional objective. Governments often use revenues
generated by the charge for the expansion and improvement of mass transit
network.
The case of London has been widely analysed in public policy debate. The
following conditions made the implementation feasible in the context of
London.
Severe transportation bottlenecks in the city centre: road congestion
was severe, while the expansions of roads were extremely difficult
because of the already crowded built environment.
Transportation structure (cars and other modes of transport):
Relatively good alternatives to private cars existed, such as walking,
cycling, taxi, bus, and subway. Only about 10% of peak period trips
were made by private car. Many of the automobile commuters were
living outside the city. The city did not have much residential
population inside the area compared to the outer area. While a wide
array of people benefited from the congestion decrease, the people
who elected to pay the congestion charge were limited.
Political will: The leadership of Mayor Ken Livingstone was strong
and consistent through the process. He also integrated the congestion
charge into the wider scheme of London Plan and Mayor‘s Transport
Strategy, to make his claim convincing and appealing.
Legislative support from the national government: The national
government provided the Greater London Authority (GLA) with the
authority to introduce the congestion charge through the Greater
London Authority Act of 1999 and Transport Act of 2000.
Extensive public consultation: The GLA ensured understanding and
support of the public and business in the decision-making process.
Appropriate institutional setting: A professional team in Transport for
London supported the management of system.
Technological development: Technological development and the
accompanying price decrease of facilities for congestion charge
management made the implementation feasible.