A Plan to End Traffic Jams

 ’Without a toll, this means that the general public is subsidizing these road users. That’s unfair.’ A toll for road use would bring these costs to light and reduce congestion. ‘If the fee adapts to the volume of traffic and the situation on the road in real time, i.e. is more expensive at rush hour than around noon, everyone can choose the route that suits them best. This already works for navigation systems,’ explains Cramton. ‘Ultimately, this would reduce the load on main traffic arteries, improve traffic flow and reduce CO2 emissions.

Technically, a dynamic road toll could already be implemented in real time today. Navigation and telecommunications systems, GPS data and apps can provide drivers with information and predict traffic volumes. ‘Of course, you have to develop a system that is an acceptable compromise between collecting personal data and protecting privacy,’ says Cramton. Modern cryptology could allow system operators to charge tolls without people having access to the data at all.

The scientists do not believe that the toll would disadvantage people who cannot afford the tolls. ‘Pricing must be dynamic and offer options. Imagine pricing the left lane of regularly congested, multi-lane roads. A lower traffic volume on the left lane would be the result. This in turn means that the flow of traffic on the right-hand lane also increases,’ says Ockenfels. ‘That way, everyone benefits.’

Contacts and sources:
Axel Ockenfels
University of CologneCitation: Set road charges in real time to ease traffic Peter Cramton,
R. Richard Geddes &Axel Ockenfels http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-05836-0