The construction of toll lanes at existing motorways is occupying much space, because the government does not accept a reduction of the capacity of the ordinary motorway at which the accommodation of the new entries/exits and junctions is a very awkward problem. In densely settled areas as the Dutch Randstad the construction costs of a 2-lane bi-directional toll road will be about 200 million Dutch guilders per km due to the alignment, the bridges and tunnels. As the toll road will rarely be used during off-peak periods because of toll-free alternative routes, no more than 5,000 vehicles per day are expected even at a congestion probability of 20%. The intended toll of about 5 guilders per vehicle would essentially cover the costs of installation and operation of the toll equipment and perhaps of maintenance of the toll road. If the majority of the construction costs of the toll roads had to be paid by the government, the investment would mean a big societal loss because of the low level of use and receipts. (A)
Abstract