1st Edition
Urban Road Pricing: Public and Political Acceptability
Title first published in 2003. As more and more cities consider introducing urban road pricing schemes, this book describes, compares and contrasts arguments for and against using this transport policy instrument. It investigates the acceptability of various forms of road pricing schemes by examining and contextualising actual schemes and hypothetical scenarios. The resulting analysis provides a sociological theory of acceptability, carefully grounded in arguments about road pricing, which demonstrates how professional discourses diverge from publicly acceptable arguments. It also suggests ways in which consensus can be reached between the various road pricing options.
Biography
Martin J. Whittles, Dr, is a Researcher for the Transport Studies Group at the University of Westminister
'Urban road pricing can be a controversial topic for communities. Whittles has cleverly demonstrated how sociological method can be used to increase understanding of the concept. There is no doubt that this volume will make an important contribution to existing knowledge.' Professor Julian Hine, University of Ulster, UK 'This book goes to the heart of the mobility management paradox. Experience in Singapore, Norway and now at Durham and London in the UK, show that Urban Road Pricing is technically feasible and it delivers significant and sustained reductions in traffic. No other mobility management policy is as effective. The remaining big question is whether Urban Road Pricing will be just a desperate last ditch measure when all else has failed, or becomes a standard part of traffic management. Martin Whittle's book addresses this issue of social and political acceptability head on by adopting an innovative approach. He combines a sociological explanation that integrates with practical options. This transport sociology approach is used to explore the extent to which road pricing can be used to influence demand whilst remaining acceptable. This book must be part of solving the intractable mobility management paradox.' Dr. Stephen Potter, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK 'Urban Road Pricing can help transport professionals understand the wide spectrum of views on road pricing and to identify the types of road pricing which are most (and least) acceptable to the electorate...It will be of interest to transport professionals...academics and others with an interest in consultative process or the public conceptualisation of transport and environmental policies.' Town & Country Planning 'The work is a thoughtful exploration of sociological methodology as applied to the acceptability of urban road pricing, and it may well be of interest to academic sociologists.' Logistics and Transport Focus 'The author takes a sociological approach in his investigation of the a
