Drivers' responses to road-user charges using global positioning system (GPS) technology

This paper describes the design and implementation of a field-trial of a GPS-based road-user charging system held in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Employees from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne were recruited to participate in experiments of both point-based and distance-based charging. To avoid road-user charges for commuting to and from the University during the trial period, volunteers could choose either to reschedule the departure time of their trip or to use an alternative uncharged route. Virtual charging-points were implemented using GPS equipment and the on-board charging system designed and developed by the research team in Newcastle. The paper provides an introduction to the field-trial, describes the technical development of the on-board automatic debiting system using GPS for real-time vehicle location. Results and conclusions from the field-trial are presented, and a discussion of the future directions included.