Rationing an open-access resource: mountaineering in Scotland

Hanley, N. , Alvarez-Farizo, B. and Shaw, W. D. (2002) Rationing an open-access resource: mountaineering in Scotland. Land Use Policy, 19, pp. 167-176. (doi: 10.1016/S0264-8377(02)00004-2)

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Abstract

This paper considers alternative means of rationing access to outdoor recreation areas, focussing on rock-climbing sites in Scotland. Such rationing is deemed increasingly important due to crowding and environmental externalities, yet cultural and practical considerations mean that a system of simple entry fees to mountain areas is unrealistic. We use a repeated nested multinomial logit model to predict the impacts on welfare and trips of two alternative rationing mechanisms currently being considered by resource managers: (i) the imposition of car-parking fees and (ii) measures to increase access time (the so-called “long walk-in” policy). The impacts of these policies employed at three different sites (Glencoe, the Cairngorms and Ben Nevis) is investigated: we find, for example, that a 2 h increase in walk-in time in the Cairngorms reduces predicted visits by 44%, with knock-on effects being felt at other, substitute sites. A £5/day car-parking fee reduces predicted trips to the Cairngorms by 31%. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of such rationing mechanisms in future land use policy in the mountains.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:We thank the UK Economic and Social Research Council for funding this work under the Global Environmental Change Initiative.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hanley, Professor Nicholas
Authors: Hanley, N., Alvarez-Farizo, B., and Shaw, W. D.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Land Use Policy
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0264-8377
ISSN (Online):1873-5754
Published Online:06 February 2002

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