Edinburgh’s referendum on the introduction of a congestion charge found public opinion was not in favour of the £2 fee. Ian Simpson, transport partner at Deloitte, says:

“Further adoption of road user charging is inevitable. However, it is now less clear how it will emerge, with Edinburgh’s ‘no’ vote a definite set back to the Department for Transport’s aspirations.

“It is unlikely any local authority will hold a similar referendum on congestion charging without a high profile champion - Ken Livingstone was key to London’s successful launch. Public opinion prior to the introduction of the London congestion charge was equivocal. After the introduction, however, public opinion shifted to being in favour of the scheme, with opposition levels falling.

“The Edinburgh vote has increased public awareness of congestion charging. In the future, congestion charging is likely to become part of a package of transport changes rather than a single issue for public vote, with other local authorities likely to take a cautious approach. The Department for Transport could consider introducing road user charging on selected, highly congested, trunk roads as an additional measure.

“The key opponents to the vote were out lying authorities and the retail sector. The Department for Transport will need to look closely at how their concerns can be appeased if congestion charging is to be successfully introduced outside of London,” added Simpson.

Ends

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Deloitte & Touche LLP is the UK's fastest growing major professional services firm based in 21 UK locations, with over 10,000 staff nationwide and fee income of £1,228 million in 2002/2003. It is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a leading professional services organisation, delivering world class audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services, with around 120,000 people in over 140 countries. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a Swiss Verein, and each of its national practices is a separate and independent legal entity.

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The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.