Tradable credits could decrease traffic and emissions
Car traffic and emissions are detrimental to society and the economy, calling for a need to make transport more sustainable through brave new policies. The EU-funded MOPED (Mobility optimization: Permits for emissions from driving) project investigated the role of the tradable credits scheme (TCS) in managing travel, reducing congestion and cutting down on emissions. To achieve its aims, the project team compared TCS with road pricing measures and looked at how to streamline transport. Although TCS has traditionally focused on air pollution, researchers looked at how it can be applied to reducing traffic and road emissions. In this vein, they conducted simulations and case studies to show that TCS can help reduce car trips and influence travellers' choices of transport mode. MOPED also examined the impact of TCS on the length of daily trips using a macroeconomic outlook and scenario simulation for the municipality of Beijing, China. In this case, the project deduced that travellers are inclined to move less, whether in cars or not, alleviating traffic and reducing emissions. It showed clear evidence of a shift from private to public transport as well. The positive impact of such scenarios on the environment has paved the way for more study in the area, strengthening Chinese-European cooperation in the field. Better transport policies, more sustainable urban transport and enhanced industrial competitiveness could ultimately emerge from further research and collaboration in this exciting field.
Keywords
Tradable credits, traffic, emissions, transport, mobility
