Download This PaperUrban Congestion Charging: Theory, Practice and Environmental Consequences
20 Pages Posted: 14 Oct 2001
Date Written: September 2001
Abstract
The theory of road pricing developed for single links suggests time and location varying charges equal to the marginal congestion cost at the efficient level of traffic. The second-best network counterpart is derived, but would be infeasible to implement. Cordon tolls are feasible, and their optimal level computed for eight towns. A cost-benefit study showed that with a suitable choice of location, all schemes were socially profitable, though with wide variations across towns. The environmental benefits of cordon tolls are measured and shown to correlate with optimal congestion tolls, but to be modest in size and not to affect the optimal toll.
Keywords: Road Traffic Congestion, Road Pricing, Congestion Charging, Cordon Tolls, Environmental Taxes
JEL Classification: R41, R48, Q28, H23
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)
Poschinger Str. 5
Munich, DE-81679
Germany
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