OECD report states that congestion is likely to worsen due to population and income growth • "The effective congestion management tool is a fee to be operated by a planned collection system"

• Photo: Avishag Shar-Yishuv

The OECD, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development of Developed Countries in Europe, released a new special report on ways to reduce traffic congestion in Israel on Sunday. Among other things, the organization presented the report at a conference initiated by Future Mobility Islands. ", With its stated purpose, to share ways and tips to help solve the worsening traffic jam problem in Israel.

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The report provides insights and conclusions on the effectiveness of the congestion fee system. In addition, it shows how states and cities have implemented the use of congestion fees, which they claim has led to change and success in reducing. The report's central conclusion is that a well-designed congestion fee system can facilitate On the existing load. Improving public transport at the same time can also help reduce congestion in the long run. Earnings from congestion fees will help to invest in public transport. The fee for use will be tailored to various transportation options that you would like to encourage such as collaborative travel and other alternatives such as cycling.

Corks on the Namir route // Photo: Ami Bentov

The main conclusions of the report are: Congestion is expected to be exacerbated by population and income growth, so the efficient congestion management tool is a fee that will be implemented by a well-designed collection system that will improve traffic congestion combined with public transportation investment. Tel Aviv revolutions or billing for one kilometer around the city whose price will vary according to the load. Among other things, the report recommends the use of GPS-based technology, to increase efficiency and allow flexibility and assimilation of fees. It is also advisable to use the congestion fee revenue to improve public transportation and reduce the tax on private vehicles, as well as tax reductions for travelers outside of areas and hours when paying for travel in a busy area.

Alberto Pereira, senior director of OECD economics studies: "Congestion fees work if designed and planned. In London, Milan, Singapore, and others, fees have been able to reduce congestion. In New York, a similar plan is planned. Much about solving the growing congestion problem. "

A survey by the Gutman Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israeli Democracy Institute shows new data showing that 53.5 percent of the Israeli public opposes a congestion charge in major city centers, compared with 33.5 percent who support during. It should also be noted that 55 percent of Israelis support the introduction of a common car route ("Carpool") at the entrance to Tel Aviv (travel routes where vehicles can move at least 2 or 3 passengers), compared with 26 percent who oppose it.

Recall, as we exclusively published last week, a special report by the Knesset Research and Information Center, prepared at the request of MK Ram Shefa to discuss transportation problems in Israel, with an emphasis on public transport revealed that the annual damage to the economy as a result of traffic congestion - NIS 35 billion. According to estimates by academia economists, this damage is expected to amount to about NIS 74 billion in about a decade, and to about NIS 100 billion by 2040.