City toll and mobility pricing
Control instruments for congested city centres
Condensed city centres are under ever-increasing traffic pressure. Increasing mobility needs are being met by an infrastructure that can hardly be expanded. The consequences are clear: congestion, noise, reduced quality of life and pollution for people and the environment. Cities are therefore looking for reliable, effective instruments to not only monitor traffic, but to actively control it. Two models are at the centre of this: congestion charging and mobility pricing. Both approaches start where they have the greatest impact - on demand.
The congestion charge works via charges in urban areas. It creates targeted incentives to generate less traffic during peak times and to switch to public transport. The experience of European cities shows that this works. However, a careful introduction is crucial: pilot phases make it possible to measure the effects, build acceptance and adapt the systems to local conditions. Cities such as Stockholm and London have laid the foundations for broad political support in precisely this way.
Congestion charging technology trials in 2006 in London
Technology trials of the congestion charge in London in 2006
Mobility pricing goes further and involves all road users. The principle is simple: those who use the infrastructure pay a share of the costs in line with the polluter-pays principle. This makes mobility more transparent, demand is distributed throughout the day and existing space is utilised more efficiently. This is a key advantage for cities with scarce infrastructure - mobility becomes controllable without taking up new space.
Jesper Engdahl, transport specialist at Rapp, has analysed international systems in detail. His analysis is clear: "The observed effects of 16 congestion charging systems show clear and sustainable reductions in traffic volumes."
Many cities record long-term reductions of over ten per cent during operating hours - a figure that makes a big difference in densely built-up city centres.
Why impact and acceptance go hand in hand
The introduction of such models remains politically challenging. It requires transparent objectives, clear communication and a reliable data basis. This is precisely where the importance of a step-by-step approach becomes apparent: pilot phases reduce fear of contact, make effects visible and enable adjustments to be made before regular operation begins. In Stockholm, this approach convinced even very critical groups - an example of how evidence creates trust.
The sustained reductions in traffic volumes show that intelligent control instruments are not just theory, but work in everyday life.
For cities, this means that with the right framework conditions, congestion charging and mobility pricing can make a tangible contribution to a better quality of life, better air quality and a more efficient traffic flow. Both instruments strengthen public spaces, support public transport and ensure a fairer distribution of costs - key building blocks for sustainable mobility.