Transport charging interventions and economic activity

The paper provides a synopsis of some of the key findings of a major research project concerning the impact of road user charging and workplace parking levies on economic activity and the relative limitations of different approaches to investigation of this subject. The processes of economic change that charging may set in motion and the direction and magnitude of impacts are explained. Explanation is also provided with respect to the tractability of different approaches to research in this theme. Within these contexts the main proportion of issues are established and some of the cardinal findings presented. The paper will contribute to the debate about the link between charging and economic vitality, the issues involved and which methodologies are most appropriate for evaluating economic activity.