Cordon charges—tolls paid within or into a congested area within a city.

Area-wide charges—permile charges on all roads within an area that may vary by level of congestion.

Managing traffic overseas
The U.S. is not the first country to focus increased attention on congestion pricing. Singapore is the world leader in managing traffic, having successfully used such programs to maintain congestion-free conditions on the city’s major streets since 1975, and on its freeways since 1998.

Drivers wishing to venture into central London pay a fee of about $16 for the privilege. Since congestion pricing was introduced in 2003, traffic has eased by more than 20%, resulting in fewer traffic delays and better air quality.

Stockholm is the most recent large international city to test cordon pricing, a program where a toll is paid if you drive within or into a congested area of the city.

During the test, there was an immediate 22% drop in vehicle trips, a decrease in travel times, and a large shift to public transit. Traffic accidents and exhaust emissions decreased dramatically. The program was such a success that it will become permanent this year.

Why congestion pricing is a good idea
If you must travel during rush hour, you will benefit from congestion pricing because delays will be reduced and your time on the road will be more predictable. Furthermore, because the highway system will perform more efficiently, you will avoid tax increases since your state and local governments will not have to make large capital improvements in your road system.

In addition, lives will be saved because emergency personnel will enjoy shortened response times. And your community as a whole will consume less fuel and create fewer vehicle emissions.

In the driver’s seat
The last thing anyone on a budget needs is another expense, and having to pay to travel roads that were once toll-free can certainly be a burden. For people who are retired or semi-retired, they have more control over when they travel.

If and when congestion pricing becomes a reality where you live, there are a couple of measures to consider.

First, drive during offpeak periods. Plan trips for doctor and dentist appointments, or to the bank, grocery store, and other errands during the middle of the day instead of during morning or evening rush hours.

Second, if you must travel during rush hour, consider public transportation. Where congestion pricing has been implemented, tolls collected are being spent to upgrade bus and subway systems, making them more convenient to use.

Managing road systems through congestion pricing is one way to move more people efficiently without incurring the tremendous expense of adding to the community’s infrastructure. Factor in the reduction in pollution and fuel usage from congestion pricing, and the concept is sure to gain greater public acceptance in the years to come.

Traffic whoas

Top 5 most congested cities in the U.S.

1. Los Angeles, Calif.
2. San Francisco-Oakland, Calif.
3. Washington, D.C.-Md.-Va.
4. Seattle-Everett, Wash.
5. Houston, Tex.
6. Dallas-Fort Worth, Tex.

To discuss this article, click here!