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The reasons why economic theory traditionally supports urban road pricing are briefly recalled. Then, in order to understand their economic basis, the author examines the reluctance of the main economic agent toward tolls. The various distributive consequences of tolls are thus considered, as well as the sources of discrepancies affecting individual and collective assessments of welfare changes. In the end, the paper suggests several essential prerequisites of urban tolling acceptability, for instance: the safeguard of freedom of movement, tangible compensations, and a major part of the funds raised returning to transports.