Partner News: Roundtable discussion on impact of road pricing

Date: 17 October 2008

What is the effect of road pricing on national and urban distribution systems? TNO will be presenting the initial results of a study in this field and will be looking with participants at the effects this could have on them.

Much has already been written on road pricing. The ‘Anders Betalen voor Mobiliteit’ (ABvM), the Dutch system for an alternative way of paying for mobility, has already accumulated a substantial dossier. But what is remarkable to date is that little research has been done into the relationship between kilometre or road pricing and freight transport.

Research tends to focus on passenger transport and the extent to which the change in the optimum structure of logistics networks for national and urban distribution is not yet known. So it is far from clear how companies have to and are able to respond to possible changes in the near future.

Price stimulus is ineffective

One aim of road taxes is to better balance the use of the available infrastructure. This can be done through kilometre pricing that is dependent on time and place; during busy periods (like peak hours). The price will be higher in busy locations than in quieter locations or during quieter periods. The question remains as to how far such variable road pricing schemes will be effective in causing freight traffic to travel at less busy times.

The situation is different from passenger traffic. Market imperfections in the transport market, contractual obligations and restrictions and limited interaction among the various actors in the transport chain, like collectors, transporters and shippers, seriously diminishes the price stimulus. As a result, the parties that determine when goods have to be transported will not or only marginally react to price incentives. In the worst case, goods transport will simply become more expensive without any behavioural change of hauliers.

Roundtable discussion
TNO will be presenting the initial results of a study in this field and holding an interactive session on Thursday afternoon, 27 November, looking with the participants at the effects this could have on their businesses, as well as the best way of responding to this change. We will also consider the effects of any ‘polluter pays’ supplement to the price per kilometer as well as other factors that may cause the price to rise.

If you are interested in the results of this study or in taking part in the roundtable discussion, please contact Mr Hans Quak at hans.quak@tno.nl