Type of Scheme
- Cordon-based pricing scheme where drivers must pay to enter the central zone.
Date of Introduction
Background
- Norway has long tradition of using tolls to finance one-off transport infrastructure projects such as bridges and tunnels.
- When Bergen introduced its cordon-based urban road pricing system, it was the first city in Europe to do so.
- Officials at Public Road Department lead the way in lobbying local politicians to opt for the charging scheme.
- Road investment seen as solution to Bergen's congestion problems with the toll being a financial mechanism to speed up delivery.
- On average 30% of state's budget for road construction comes from toll revenue.
- It was intended that toll would cease, however scheme was extended so revenue could be raised for investment in public transport and other infrastructure related to road tolls.
- Revenue for public transport and roads is now split 50/50. Plans are for the public transport share to finance development of a tram.
- Been agreed that revenue should not lead to lower government investments in traffic and transport infrastructure.
Aim
- Primary objective is to collect funds for road investments, but some contribution is also made to public transport.
- Secondary objectives are:
- to reduce number of vehicles on most congested roads in morning and afternoon rush hours. [by between 10 and 15 per cent];
- to improve journey times for cars and buses in inner part of the City, and;
- to reduce air pollution.
How it Works
Charges:
- Only ingoing traffic is charged for entering the cordon (the city centre) between 6am and 10pm Monday to Friday. Buses are exempt.
- Charge is 15NKr for cars weighing up to 3500kg and 30Nkr for trucks (vehicles weighing over 3500kg).
- Pre-paid tickets and monthly, bi-annual and annual permits allow slightly discounted rate.
- Car drivers given incentives to use electronic tags:
- Lower prices when passing the cordon.
- Only one payment per hour.
- A maximum of 50 payments per month.
Technology:
- Bergen operates a fully electronic toll collection system (ETC) - AutoPASS - which automatically debits accounts of drivers passing through the unmanned toll booths located around the cordon.
- AutoPASS system requires each vehicle to have an electronic tag - a device that must be installed by driver on windscreen behind mirror so it can be read by electronic toll booths.
- AutoPASS account holders with electronic tags either have seasonal pass (month or year) or number of pre-paid passes with discounts depending on number of tickets bought.
- AutoPASS operates across the whole of Norway so drivers using the various toll roads and bridges as well as entering the various tolled cordon schemes (Oslo, Trondheim etc.) can pay different toll fees using the same electronic tag in their car without having to stop.
- The AutoPASS technology is owned and managed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA).
Exemptions:
Enforcement:
- Enforcement is done by ANPR video cameras which take pictures of number plates of drivers without an AutoPASS account and invoice is sent to them by post.
Revenue
- Scheme had expected to raise 35 million NKr but in fact, raised 70 million NKr.
- Split 50/50 to be spent on public transport and roads.
Benefits/Results
- 6-7% fall in traffic (although traffic reduction not an objective of the scheme).
- Revenue will provide finance for development of tram across the city.
Websites
Norwegian Public Roads Administration:
www.vegvesen.no.
Autopass:
www.autopass.no/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1204190639488&pagename=autopass%2FAPside.
References
Kristian Waersted (2005), Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Urban Tolling in Norway - Practical Experiences, Social and Environmental Impacts & Plans for Future Systems.
Bekkn and Osland (2005), Institute of Transport Economics, Norway, The Establishment & Development of Norwegian Toll Cordons.
Ieromonachou, Potter & Warren (2005), Faculty of Technology, Open University, Comparing Urban Road Pricing Implementation & Management Strategies from the UK and Norway.
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