The charging systems in Sweden show that congestion charges can be an efficient (socio-economically beneficial) and effective policy measure for combating urban congestion. Furthermore, the technology of the Swedish charging systems has proven to work well, with high accuracy of correctly identified vehicles using the video technique with ANPR. The case of Gothenburg demonstrates this measure is not only less efficient if initial congestion levels are low, but also less efficient in the long run: the effects are declining in the long run. In Stockholm, the effects have increased over the years. The difference between the cities in this respect could be a result of the lower density city structure and high car dependence in Gothenburg. From this perspective, congestion charges are likely most successful in cities where congestion levels are high and where there exist good alternatives to driving.

Chapter Contents:

• 14.1 Introduction
• 14.2 System designs
• 14.3 Traffic effects
• 14.3.1 Traffic volume across the cordon
• 14.3.2 Traffic volume in the inner city
• 14.3.3 Traffic volume on roads bypassing the inner city
• 14.3.4 Travel times
• 14.3.5 Long-term effects and effects of increased charging levels
• 14.4 Adaptation strategies
• 14.5 Revenues and system costs
• 14.6 Model predictions
• 14.7 Cost–benefit analysis, equity effects and company cars
• 14.8 Public support
• 14.9 Political support
• 14.10 Lessons learnt and recommendations for other cities
• References

Inspec keywords: road traffic; road pricing (tolls)

Other keywords: Gothenburg; Swedish congestion charges; video technique; urban congestion; ANPR; lower density city structure

Subjects: Systems theory applications in economics and business; Systems theory applications in transportation