Traffic in the capital of Sweden has been reduced by 18 per cent following the roll out of the Stockholm Congestion Charging System. The system was piloted last year and began full scale implementation last August, according to reports in Red Orbit.
As a result of the new system, the proportion of tax-exempt, eco-friendly vehicles in the city increased by nine per cent. In most cases, travel times on inner city streets have been reduced and access to the city has improved. The latest figures on traffic in Stockholm were reported in a study by Stockholm City Traffic authorities.
The traffic solution was designed by IBM who served as the prime contractor for the project, as well as its development and operation. IBM has been collaborating with the Swedish Road Administration and the city of Stockholm in order to develop the program. In order to deliver an effective technical solution to inner city traffic congestion, IBM brought in consultants, as well as research and technology experts.
During the seven month pilot which was launched in 2006, traffic in Stockholm was reduced by 22 per cent. Since the system was adopted by the Swedish National Parliament and implemented over a 24 square kilometre region of the inner city, traffic has remained below its previous levels.
“Traffic has remained substantially lower since the pilot with IBM, which has brought significant benefits to Stockholm residents. The scheme is meeting the objectives set by the city of reducing traffic volumes, improving accessibility for buses and cars, and improving the environment,” said Birger Hook, Director of the Swedish Road Administration’s traffic registry.
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