Abstract: If some form of road pricing charge is levied on drivers into London, there are now signs that they will welcome it on the basis that 'any' change is better than the present congested travel situation. Two thirds of people questioned in a recent survey in Bristol said that they would support the introduction of road pricing if the money from it were applied to public transport schemes. Lorries are hardly being mentioned, because they are not perceived as the real threat. In terms of entry into cities, they are not being identified as the key pollutant or urban congestant. Yet, in many if not most city councils, road freight problems are given higher priority than car problems, and pedestrians, the disabled, cyclists, and public transport are given higher priority still. Edinburgh City Council now has a special parking area in the centre of the city, which it polices, but delivery vehicles are given reasonable access to the kerb. Similar policies are evident in other cities, which are beginning to realise that freight plays an essential part in their life. The widespread realisation that congestion and other urban transport problems cannot be blamed only on lorries is a major step forward. Attitudes may not yet be friendly to lorries, but at least they are not now completely unfriendly.
Publication Year: 1999
Publication Date: 1999-09-01
Language: en
Type: article
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