It's two months since Cardiff Council announced it was looking into charging drivers to enter the city.
The idea is a £2-a-day fee for non-residents who drive into the city , money which the city council has said would fund improvements into public transport.
Now, the Welsh Government has announced an independent review into whether road users across Wales should be charged.
The review is directly linked to Cardiff Council 's plans, consultation on which closes on July 1.
Derek Turner CBE, described as having "considerable experience of providing strategic transport policy advice", is leading the review, which will report back in the autumn.
What it will look at:
- The rationale of charging drivers - what are the objectives? Is it to ease congestion, improve air quality or reduce carbon emissions? Is the intention to increase rates of active travel or encourage more people to leave their cars and vehicles at home
- The options for bringing in road charging, including the cost of the technology needed to monitor the scheme - and who will pay for it
- The case for a national policy rather than individual local policies to avoid drivers being charged twice
- The other policies that would be needed for the scheme to work
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The political, social and economic issues which will have to be addressed by anyone wishing to take forward such a scheme at local, regional or national level
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What will happen at the border with England if nationwide policies are brought in
Why is this happening?
Transport minister Ken Skates said: "We must do all we can in Wales to decarbonise our transport network, improve air quality, and reduce congestion. Achieving these objectives will benefit our environment, our economy and our society. Investing in and incentivising public transport and active travel are vital in encouraging people to make less journeys by car.
"However, demand management measures may also be needed to achieve a significant modal shift from road to more sustainable transport in Wales.
"For this reason, I have commissioned an independent review into the benefits and challenges of different demand management approaches such as road user charging."
He added: "I am delighted that Derek Turner CBE has agreed to complete this study. He has considerable experience of providing strategic transport policy advice and his expertise includes road user charging.
"It is intended that the review will report this autumn and it will help inform our national and regional policy on this issue in the context of the ongoing work of the South East Wales Transport Commission and the consideration of congestion charging by Cardiff Council."
