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(c) the periods during which the charge applies, for each individual segment. Where different charge levels apply throughout the charging period, Member States shall clearly specify the beginning and the end of each period during which a specific charge is applied. Member States shall use the equivalence factors provided in Table 2 for the purpose of establishing the proportion between charge levels for different vehicle categories: 2. Amount of the charge For each vehicle category, road segment and time period, the Member State or, where appropriate, an independent authority shall determine a single specific amount, set in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of this Annex, taking into account the corresponding reference value set out in the Table of Annex VI. The resulting charging structure shall be transparent, made public and available to all users on equal terms. Before implementing a congestion charge, the Member State shall publish in a timely manner all of the following:

(a) all parameters, data and other information necessary to understand how the classification of roads and vehicles and determination of periods of application of the charge are established;

(b) the complete description of congestion charges applying to each vehicle category on each road segment and for each time period. Member States shall make available to the Commission all information to be published pursuant to points (a) and (b). The charge shall be set only after having considered the risk of traffic diversion together with any adverse effects on road safety, the environment and congestion, and any solutions to mitigate these risks. Where a Member State intends to apply higher congestion charges than the reference values set out in the Table of Annex VI, it shall notify the Commission of the following:

(i) the location of roads subject to congestions charges;

(ii) the classification of roads as ‘metropolitan’ and ‘non-metropolitan’, as specified under point (b) of Section 1;

(iii) the periods during which the charge applies, as specified under point (c) of Section 1;

(iv) any partial or full exemption applied to minibuses, buses and coaches.

3. Monitoring

1. The parts of the network subject to congestion charging, vehicles and time periods covered Member States shall specify precisely:

(a) the part or parts of their network composed of their share in the trans-European road network and their motorways referred to in Article 7(1), which are to be subject to a congestion charge, in accordance with Article 7da(1) and (3).

(b) the classification of sections of the network which are subject to the congestion charge as ‘metropolitan’ and ‘non-metropolitan’. Member States shall use the criteria set out in Table 1 for the purposes of determining the classification of each road segment.

The Member State or, where appropriate, an independent authority, shall monitor the effectiveness of the charging scheme in reducing congestion. It shall adjust every three years, where appropriate, the charging structure, charging period(s) and the specific amount of the charge set for each given category of vehicle, type of road and period to the changes in transport supply and demand.