Today at 6.30 am Stockholm introduced congestion charges to limit the traffic to and from the centre of the city. I think it's a great idea! It's just a try-out period for six months, after which a referendum will take place, but I hope the charges are here to stay, considering they are needed and the investment made in the system, etc. Unfortunately it seems that most people do not share my enthusiasm for environmental tolls, so unless the trial is very successful, the vote will be negative... I will keep you posted.
The first day was a hit though! Apparently the traffic in and out of the central areas during the morning rush hour (6-10.15 am) was reduced by 16 %. However, there was a large, albeit not equal, increase of traffic (11 %) on Essingeleden, which is the main highway outside the congestion zone. Essingeleden is already heavily trafficated so this could potentially be a problem, but I'm hoping that it will cope, and also that more people will use public transport.
The computer system seems to have coped with the first day too. Those sceptical about the initiative are arguing that "it's so complicated!". What is so complicated?! You either use what they call a transponder, a sort of Easy pass, which bills you automatically, or it registers your license plate and sends you a bill which must be paid in 5 days. Bidding at eBay is more complicated! Most people would say "yes" to the question "do you want to save the environment?", but when it comes down to actually changing one's behaviour, people have so many excuses.
Sure, one could argue that this is just a small step and doesn't save the environment at all, or that it's the wrong method, or that we already pay taxes to use our roads, etc., but the fact is that we need to do something to alleviate both the problem of congestion, and its effects on the environment. I get especially annoyed with the Swedish Conservative Party, Moderaterna, which actually started the process with tolls back in the late 70s and supported them as part of the Dennis deal (transport plan; only part of the deal materialised), but today demonstrated against congestion charges together with the Swedish Automobile Association.
If you want to read more about the congestion charges, with a bit of humour thrown in, visit the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation's special site: Smit från trängselskatten (available in Swedish only unfortunately) where you can get tips on how to avoid the charges or send in your best slogan for the charges (and chance at winning a scooter!)
We have one in London. It works very well. Well done Stockholm, I bet the referendum votes Yes.
ReplyDeleteActually, I bet the trial will be prolonged indefinitely and the referendum will never be held.
I think your second bet could "win", if it wasn't for the fact that the referendum is scheduled around the same time as the general election. Not having the referendum would probably hurt the Social Democrats in Stockholm, if not nation-wide.
ReplyDeletewe should have one in Malaysia, specifically in KL. Cars are cheap. The bus services are erratic and the monorail service doesn't serve all areas in KL. Singapore has such a system, you need to have 4 people in the car or if there is less, a permit must be displayed when you enter the central business district.
ReplyDeleteI think Stockholm should introduce HOV lanes in addition to the congestion charges, i.e. lanes wehre you need to be at least 2 people in the car. These lanes would foremost be on the motorways outside the congestion zone of course. This system seems to function pretty well in the US. During off-hours they can remain open for all types of traffic.
ReplyDeleteit will do the centre of Stockholm some good. It has proven to work in the Uk even though at the beginning loads of people were against it. It all comes down to 3 things if the trial will be a success or not. Firstly how accurate is it reading vehicle registrations, secondly the easy of paying and thirdly the day to day local traders can they afford it!
ReplyDeleteJames (UK)