A study of traffic demand management, its economic/environmental impacts, and feasibility in Hong Kong

Abstract

Traffic congestion has been a serious problem in HK. Apart from the loss of time and monetary cost incurred on businesses, it also brings about a lot of environmental problems, like air/noise pollution. Traditional supply side solutions were proved to be ineffective; studies have shifted to focus on demand side solutions in recent years. This research aims at studying the three demand side solutions, namely road space rationing, congestion pricing and tradable congestion permit) in overseas cases, and research, over their implementation and effectiveness in environmental and economic aspects, and explore the feasibility of these Traffic Demand Management (TDMs) in HK. Prime focus is put on whether these solutions can resolve traffic congestion and its associated environmental problems. It is found that all these TDMs, with the exception of permanent implementation of road-space rationing are able to achieve the goal. According to interview survey and stakeholder engagement, congestion has been a worrying problem, while current measures adopted by the government are insufficient in solving congestion and its externalities, and thus addition solution should be considered. Surveyees showed support for congestion pricing and tradable congestion permit, yet oppose to road-space rationing. Stakeholders, however support any measures that will resolve traffic congestion. On the whole, all TDMs would be viable, despite the fact that all of the TDMs are subjected to social and political pressure, while some environmental elements can be added to minimize the environmental impacts caused by traffic and traffic congestion. Tradable congestion permit is considered to be a better solution from environmental perspective.