Göteborg: congestion charge on track: traffic down 20 per cent

The effects of the congestion charges are monitored continuously by looking at journey times of car traffic and public transport and traffic flows in hte Göteborg region.

First conclusion is that the system has worked smoothly over the initial days. On the 2nd of January, traffic volume was 22 percent lower than it would have been without the charges. The reduction during the morning peak was even more substantial: 25%. In the next days, the reduction decreased slightly. There has been less congestion on radial roads leading to Göteborg.

During the first weeks of the charges, buses travelling to Göteborg in the morning peak managed to keep to the timetables.  The number of fully occupied express buses has increased, Vässtrafik have added extra buses for some routes.

Congestion charges are part of the West Swedish agreement. This includes new allocated bus lanes, longer commuter train platforms, new commuter parking for bicycles and cars, footpaths and bicycle paths and improved traffic information as well as new crossriver links and a new rail tunnel.

For more information: icre@polisnetwork.eu