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The success of the recently introduced congestion-charging scheme in London has raised urban congestion charging to the fore of the transport policy debate. Also, recent legislation in New Zealand has formalised the toll road financing option, and Auckland's congestion is increasingly seen as a major issue.

This project, carried out in 2003 and 2004, sought to develop best practice guidelines for developing congestion charging schemes by interviewing those involved in such systems across the world to ascertain which issues were critical to their success or failure. There was a significant degree of consensus as to what these critical success factors are:

• a public perception of the need
• an appropriately resourced promotional campaign
• a single empowered agency
• a strong political position
• a robust business case.

The project then looked at three suggested schemes in New Zealand and asked whether the critical success factors were present by consulting with key stakeholders and agencies. It became clear that objections are fuelled by the lack of sufficient detail for any of the schemes, which in turn prevents a clear political position. There are also questions in relation to agency roles and responsibilities.

Keywords: congestion charging, HOT lanes, success factors, toll roads