Title: Helsinki region congestion charging. Assessment of social impacts
Abstract: The purpose of the study is to assess whether the social and safety-related objectives set for the Helsinki Region Transport System could be better achieved through a transport system that uses congestion charges than a transport system that does not use any. The assessment focuses on social and safety impacts. The alternatives examined in the study are: 1) the base option in which the transport system is developed at current level of investment, 2) the HLJ draft (Helsinki Region Transport System Plan) in which problems pertaining to the transport system have been solved without congestion charging, and 3) the congestion charging scenario in which the transport system includes congestion charges. Based on the impact assessment, the congestion charging scenario is the most advantageous in terms of its social impacts. The predictability and flow of traffic improve, and walking, cycling and the use of public transport increase more than in the other alternatives. In the congestion charging scenario, the urban environment becomes more pleasant, and traffic safety develops in a more favourable direction as compared to the other alternatives. In terms of overall effects, the congestion charging scenario does not make the transport system less equitable or weaken citizens' opportunities for mobility. Adverse effects are mostly related to growing mobility costs. However, the growth is not unreasonable in relation to the income available, and the daily price ceiling ensures that costs per person do not become too high. The assessment draws on international results according to which achieving equality is not a problem, since a large share of revenue received from congestion charging is used for public transport investment to the benefit of those in particular who have changed their travel behaviour. Developing the transport system in the entire region through congestion charging revenue also benefits drivers in the municipalities surrounding the metropolitan area even though they do not drive in areas affected by congestion. However, in the development of the charging model, granting exemptions from charges to special groups, especially people with reduced mobility or disabilities, should be taken into account. Any problems that might arise from the model can be rectified at a later stage by making adjustments to the charging model. The degree to which congestion charging will be accepted is greatly influenced by how equitable the system is considered and how well people are aware of what the revenue is used for. This report may be found at http://www.lvm.fi/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=1551284&name=DLFE-11704.pdf&title=Julkaisuja 6-2011
Publication Year: 2011
Publication Date: 2011-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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