LUAS may herald Dublin road pricing

The arrival of the LUAS light rail network in Dublin has brought the prospect of road pricing in the capital even closer, a major study has claimed.

With traffic gridlock set to rise 188% on urban roads by 2010 - the cost of which will reach €810bn - new strategies are being examined.

The Deloitte survey revealed 72% of major European cities are either interested in or already proceeding with a road pricing scheme.

Commenting on the report, "Combating Gridlock", David Hearn, Partner in Consulting at Deloitte said: "There is one strategy that has shown promise in making a lasting dent in congestion, road user pricing.

"Since the charges were instituted in February 2003, average traffic speeds in the zone have risen by 37% and congestion is down by 40%.

Hearn claimed that the Government's decision to sanction parking charges of €4 per day at LUAS park and rides means they need to introduce a counterbalance by charging road users who continue to drive into Dublin.

Hearn added: "The Government has already indicated that it will consider road pricing when public transport infrastructure is in place."