LESSONS FROM EXISTING AND PROPOSED SCHEMES: PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE

This paper summarises some of the main results presented at this conference. It answers the following questions: (1) What lessons can we learn from existing and proposed schemes? (2) How far can economic instruments contribute to solving urban traffic problems? and (3) How can economic instruments be given a good chance of being implemented? Urban traffic problems are fairly similar in all the cities discussed, and are mainly externality problems. Economic instruments in urban traffic control can be oriented to different goals. Congestion metering is a very good solution, but only when extended by allowing for environmental factors. The 'ideal' road pricing system must be modified before attempting any practical application. Although there has hitherto been only very limited experience of the use of economic instruments in urban traffic control, existing evidence of their effects seems to confirm theoretical predictions. The main obstacle to their implementation is their limited acceptance by politicians, authorities, and citizens. Many arguments against them can be refuted, and others weakened or corrected by secondary measures. For the covering abstract, see IRRD 885092.