The Helsinki Region congestion charging study

The study considered whether congestion charging could help achieve the transport policy objectives in a cost-effective manner in the Helsinki region. Forming the backdrop to the study are the goals set out in the Government Programme and in the Government Transport Policy Report, and the expectations of society at large regarding the transport system in the region. The study is also a part of transport system development work in the region. The study, undertaken between spring 2008 and summer 2009, involved extensive cooperation with the different parties concerned in the region. The study produced an abundant and diverse array of information on the use of congestion charging as a transport policy tool. This information provides the basis for debate and decision-making on whether to go ahead with preparations for congestion charging in the Helsinki region. The study examined a range of different impacts associated with congestion charging and evaluated them extensively from six different viewpoints: the functioning of the transport system, the environment, road safety, the business operating environment and financial position of businesses, land use and urban structure and the mobility of different groups of transport system users. Also costs, revenues and risks were estimated. In addition, the study looked at whether the same impacts could be achieved in a better and more cost-effective manner using other means than congestion charging (additional road capacity, more or cheaper public transport etc.). The impacts were illustrated using three different congestion charging models (the single-cordon model, the multiple-cordon model and the zone model). The study results show that congestion charging could help to achieve the transport policy objectives in a effective manner: reduce private car usage, reduce the extent of congestion, increase the use of public transport, improve road safety and there would be fewer emissions from traffic. The socio-economic benefits of congestion charging would exceed the costs. Some other tools and measures which are in use today could achieve a similar impact, but not as cost-effectively as congestion charging. This report may be found at http://www.lvm.fi/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=339549&name=DLFE-8011.pdf&title=Julkaisuja%2030-2009