Congestion Charging Will Not Solve Traffic Problems in Cities

Publication date: 02 October 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Brussels, 1st October 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Eurocouncil of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) raises its concerns at the approach taken by the European Commission with regard to urban traffic congestion following the adoption of the Action Plan on Urban Mobility.

While we believe that some of the proposals presented today can help municipalities improve the mobility of their city dwellers we remain unconvinced about the effects of traffic congestion charges directed at the private car. “Deficient urban planning cannot be sweetened by a ban or a charge” said Werner Kraus, FIA Eurocouncil Chairman, reacting to the presented Action Plan.

It is a fact of life in modern Europe that the car plays a major role in urban transport. It offers citizens unrivalled levels of efficiency, convenience and comfort. Several cities have nevertheless opted for restrictive measures such as city tolls or temporary closures of city centres for cars in view to redress shortcomings of mobility policies from past years. Demand management measures in the form of the congestion charging schemes, such as those implemented in cities like London and Stockholm, have on the longer term proven not to bring the expected relief. Placing restrictions on mobility for the individual or increasing its cost will not improve the citizens' quality of life nor enhance economic development.

A more sustainable strategy to address the endemic congestion problems of cities would look at the structure of cities as a whole and at the individual needs of its citizens. This needs to happen at local and regional level.

For more information: Sinziana Gille - Tel. +32 2 282 08 16.

Ends

Notes for Editors

The Eurocouncil of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the leading motoring and touring organisation, represents via its 71 national motoring and touring organisations in 47 European countries, 34 million European motorists.

Europe’s motoring and touring organisations have as their highest priority to put their members’ interests at the centre of Europe’s sustainable mobility policy in order to make mobility more sustainable, while keeping it affordable for all.
Cities need to ensure the best possible mobility solutions. Mobility is a major contributor to the social and economic wealth of European cities and a key element in their future.
Helping cities find and implement solutions is a key priority for us and our member associations. The clubs’ long experience means that they have the knowledge of how to best address mobility challenges all over Europe. It is the close contact to road users and local, regional and national authorities that ensures practical, financially viable and user-oriented solutions.

To see the action plan on urban mobility click here (48.8 KB)

To see our response to the Green paper consultation click here

To see our position click here