The BBC has reported that a range of tolls and charges for driving in Wales are being considered by the Welsh government.
The article stated that Wales’ transport minister Ken Skates has commissioned an independent review that will look at options such as distance charging, congestion charging, workplace and retail parking levies.
Derek Turner, formerly of Transport for London, will lead the review, which is expected to report by the autumn.
According to the BBC, the review will consider options across Wales and will also feed into the ongoing commission looking at reducing congestion on the M4, as well as Cardiff Council’s proposal to introduce a £2 congestion charge in the capital.
In a written statement announcing the Wales-wide road user charging review, Skates said: “Investing in and incentivising public transport and active travel are vital in encouraging people to make less journeys by car.
“However, demand management measures may also be needed to achieve a significant modal shift from road to more sustainable transport in Wales.
“For this reason, I have commissioned an independent review into the benefits and challenges of different demand management approaches such as road user charging.”
The review will examine: the costs of implementing various options and whether those costs are paid for by drivers, councils or others; an assessment of the likely acceptability of any such scheme; and issues that might affect the acceptability of any road user charging policy, such as the level of the charge, the fairness of its application and how any revenues would be used.
The Welsh government said it is an initial review, designed to inform future detailed work, reported the BBC.
Want to learn more about road user charging schemes and road pricing initiatives? CiTTi Exhibition 2020 takes place on the 3rd and 4th of June at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. Register your interest to attend at www.cittiexhibition.co.uk
