New report - Analysis of traffic in Stockholm - with special focus on the effects of the congestion tax 2005-2008

The congestion tax was introduced on a trial basis in the inner city of Stockholm during the  first six months of 2006, and was made permanent by the government in August 2007, with the aim of improving accessibility and the environment and to contributing to the financing of investments in the road network in the Stockholm region. Since the congestion tax is a state tax, the government is responsible for both the design and, through the Swedish Transport Agency, for its management. However, the congestion tax affects to a considerable degree both the road network of Stockholm and the daily lives of many of its citizens.

The analyses show that the congestion tax continues to have a considerable effect, with traffic volumes over the congestion tax cordon in the autumn of 2008 around 18 percent lower than in the autumn of 2005, just before the congestion tax trial. The effect is noticeable with shorter queues and more reliable journey times, and has resulted in decreased emissions of CO2 and harmful particles which contribute to reaching the city’s environmental goals. Even the revenues from the congestion tax have begun to pay dividends in the shape of investments in smallscale improvements for better traffic flow for cars and buses on the region’s primary road network. Revenues from the congestion tax can also contribute to the realisation of future necessary infrastructure investments by enabling a uniquely high level of regional co-financing.

Quick summary

• The reduction of traffic over the tax cordon is still large - though a little less than during the trial
  
• Rapid increase in the number of exempted alternative fuel vehicles - which cross the tax cordon more often than the average vehicle
  
• Congestion is still reduced - but not on all roads
  
• Small changes in traffic levels on Essingeleden and Södra länken
  
• Improved environment, health and traffic safety as a result of less traffic - but the congestion tax is not the only factor
  
• More people cross the cordon using public transport - both as a result of the congestion tax and of a rapid population increase
  
• No negative impacts for business in the inner city
  
• The operating system shows a high level of functionality
  
• A majority of residents in the City of Stockholm continue to be in favour of the congestion tax