Look to drivers for traffic solution

?  ?

Opinion / Liu Shinan

Look to drivers for traffic solution

By Liu Shinan (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-15 07:19

Beijing municipal government's decision to limit the number of motor
vehicles on the city's roads during a four-day test, which starts this
weekend, demonstrates its resolve to address the problems of congestion
and pollution caused by emissions.

This is undoubtedly a simple but effective remedy for the problem. But it
can only be executed as a provisional measure for a particular purpose
over a certain period of time - like hosting the Olympic Games, for
example.

A simple methodology can only bring about a simple solution. It does not
touch the root cause of the conundrum.

Dramatically reducing the number of vehicles on Beijing's roads is
definitely the most effective way to smooth the traffic and thin out the
exhaust in the air but administrative prohibitions are not the right way
to permanently solve the problem.

To dissuade people from driving and persuade them to take public
transport, the government should study the psychology of motorists and
take appropriate measures.

Most drivers are aware of the seriousness of air pollution and their
contribution to it. But the awareness, or even guilt, is not strong
enough for them to give up driving unconditionally.

They cannot do without the convenience and comfort of their own car. If
the cost of driving becomes high enough, however, they might be less
inclined to use their vehicles.

Two measures can be taken to this end.

First, charging a fee for driving in the inner city - within the third or
fourth ring roads, for example.

Second, charging a pollution fee.

The pollution fee is verifiable. Car owners account only for a minor
proportion of the total population. It is unfair for non-drivers to
suffer polluted air when it is not their fault. Charging car owners to
finance causes of public good is a kind of compensation for the
non-owners.

Some people might argue that an inner city fee would benefit the rich and
deprive ordinary citizens' right to auto mobility. But it is not.

What would be restricted is driving on crowded roads in densely populated
areas, which is far from a pleasant business. If the rich enjoy driving
in such conditions, let them do it and pay for being part of the
congestion. Of course, the charge should be set very high.

Technical feasibility is not a problem.

Another reason why motorists do not like public transport is that it is
inconvenient and takes longer.

Commuters might have to change trains or buses two or three times to get
to their destination. Buses and subway trains are invariably crowded and
waiting at bus stops can be chaotic.

Many people have tried public transport but returned to their private
vehicles for the reasons given above. If the problems are solved, many
commuters will opt for public transport.

To settle these problems and ensure a fast, effective and orderly public
transport system needs government action. However, campaign-style
promotions and empty slogans won't do.

Careful investigation and meticulous planning of corresponding measures
are needed. The authorities even need to study the psychology and habits
of commuters so as to take really effective measures to attain the
desired results.

A conundrum's solution calls for conscientious effort.

Email: liushinan@chinadaily.com.cn

?

(China Daily 08/15/2007 page10)

Hot Talks

* Should Beida recruit more recommended students?
* Nude women and Peking Opera: pornography or art?
* War in Iraq lost?
* Costa Rica cut ties with Taiwan: Who's next?
* Will China follow USA "way of life"?

Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours

20071122 Extracted From http://www.hellomandarin.net