Exploring the effect of local transport policies on the adoption of low emission vehicles: Evidence from the London Congestion Charge and Hybrid Electric Vehicles. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morton, Craig; Lovelace, Robin; Anable, Jillian
• Is Part Of: Transport policy. Volume 60(2017)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Hybrid Electric Vehicle demand -- Congestion charging -- Local transport policy -- Spatial diffusion; Transportation and state -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Rates -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2017.08.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-070X

Abstract

Abstract: The London Congestion Charge (LCC) is a transport policy with a precise spatial footprint. As such, its impact on the transport system can be expected to vary over space, providing an opportunity to explore the geographical reach of local transport interventions. This paper assesses whether the exemption of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) from the LCC affected the registration rate of these vehicles in Greater London and the surrounding areas. The analysis uses official data on the number of HEVs registered across the local authorities of the United Kingdom. This dataset is assessed using [1] exploratory spatial analysis to determine the degree of spatial variation in HEV registrations, [2] area classifications to consider if HEV registrations diminish as nearness to the LCC recedes, and [3] spatial regression models to evaluate the association between distance to the LCC and HEV registrations, controlling for other area characteristics (i.e. socioeconomic, household, and transport system variables). The results clearly show that nearness to the LCC is positively associated with HEV registrations, implying that this form of transport policy is effective at promoting the adoption of low emission vehicles. Highlights: The demand for HEVs in the United Kingdom is spatially heterogeneous. Spatial regression models are specified to explain the geographical variation in demand. The exemption of HEVs from the LCC is significantly linked with HEV registrations.