Existing parking charges and restrictions
Parking charges in Cambridge are relatively expensive compared to other places
of comparable size in the UK. There are also many areas where parking is
prohibited or restricted. In some of the more densely populated terraced
residential areas in the city it is not practical to own a car due to the lack
of on-street parking. The parking charges encourage drivers to use public
transport if they aim to stay in the city for more than about three hours.
Workplace parking levy
This option would charge employers for each car parking space at the workplace
and would provide an incentive for employers to reduce car parking provision.
Money raised by the authorities could be invested in alternative modes of
transport, such as cycling facilities, public transport, etc. The analysis would
assess the effects of this policy using different pricing structures.
Road pricing
The road pricing option would consist of a cordon of road pricing tolling points
around Cambridge. Drivers travelling into Cambridge would pay a toll, probably
deducted from a smart card mounted inside their windscreen. The details of the
scheme still need to be worked out - for example, the technology and the
charging structure. Generally, the tolling points would be located where drivers
would have a choice between either paying the toll or taking the park and ride.
The aim of road pricing is to reduce traffic congestion. However, there are a
number of legal issues that need to be addressed about reinvesting the revenue.
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