Nowadays road traffic congestion is one of the biggest and fastest growing problems being faced in urbanized areas. The `traditional solution' to congestion problems, namely the expansion of road capacity, is increasingly viewed as unacceptable for a number of social and environmental reasons.Therefore, policymakers and transport researchers alike are directing their attention towards alternative measures aimed at utilizing existing infrastructure more efficiency. Two of such tools are studied in this paper: the `good old' Pigouvian toll, and modern information systems, based on telematics techniques (Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS)). The efficiency impact of both tools, and the possible interactions between them, are studied on the basis of an economic welfare analysis. It is shown that tolls levied during periods of congestion may be based on anticipated congestion levels. Obviously these levels will vary depending on time of day, but will not vary when the (working) days are compared with each other. (A)
Abstract