overestimated. This overestimation is due to the neglect of non-monetary travel costs, such as
travel time. In addition, while studying the effect of travel impedances on residential and
work location choices in general, they do not focus on possible relocation effects initiated by
a road pricing measure. This is a shortcoming since road pricing may lead to a different
perception of travel impedance, possibly affecting the influence of travel costs in location
decisions.
Other studies have investigated the importance of accessibility and travel related variables on
one hand and location and house related factors on the other hand in location decisions, by
using discrete choice models (e.g. Timmermans et al., 1996; Rouwendal and Meijer (2001);
Molin and Timmermans, 2002). However, these studies do not include road pricing as a
variable determining locations choice. In addition, these models describe the choice between
location alternatives, and do not address the decision whether or not to relocate.
Finally, some studies have started to address the spatial effects of road pricing. These studies
can roughly be subdivided into theoretical studies on the one hand and modelling studies on
the other hand. However, empirical studies specifically based at relocation effects due to road
pricing have not been found. In the theoretical studies expectations of spatial effects of road
pricing are often based on research in related areas, such as for example location behaviour
studies (e.g. Banister, 2002; MuConsult, 2000; Blok et al., 1989). In the category of
modelling studies, impacts of pricing policies on location choices are usually modelled based
on utility theory (e.g. Eliasson, 2002; Anas and Xu, 1999; Arnott, 1998). However, these
theories and models have not been validated against empirical data.
Thus, while relocation decisions are likely to impact the outcomes and success of road pricing
strategies, the literature on this topic is limited. This paper aims at providing additional insight
into the effect of road pricing on relocation decisions of households. The paper will address
two main topics, which have received only minor attention to date. First, the decision whether
or not to relocate in response to pricing policies will be investigated. Second, the paper will
focus on the relative importance of road pricing as compared to other factors that affect
relocation decisions (e.g. travel time, characteristics of the dwelling and its surroundings). In
this second case, the study specifically aims at assessing the importance in location decisions
of travel costs versus travel time on one hand and of travel cost versus monthly housing costs
on the other hand.