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Compromising sustainable mobility? The case of the Gothenburg congestion tax

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  • Erik Hysing
  • Lotta Fr�ndberg
  • Bertil Vilhelmson

Abstract

Congestion charging is widely considered an effective policy measure to regulate and reduce car traffic demand and associated environmental and health problems in cities. However, introducing restrictive measures to constrain individual choice and behaviour for the common good has often proven difficult. Using a specific case, the Gothenburg congestion tax introduced in 2013, we study the policy process behind the introduction of the tax and assess to what extent green values were compromised along the way. The tax was made possible by co-financing infrastructure investments, including roads, which seemingly contradicts stated goals of reducing car traffic and emissions. We show how the tax was 'muddled through' in a top-down political compromise by a grand coalition where different interests could legitimate their support in relation to the achievement of partially conflicting objectives and projects. However, to declare the regulatory goals fully neutralised would be to underestimate the scheme's direct environmental effects and restrictive potential. Finding a compromise with powerful political and economic interests was necessary to get it off the ground. Once launched, however, it can over time regain its restrictive properties and lead to more profound long-term effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Hysing & Lotta Fr�ndberg & Bertil Vilhelmson, 2015. "Compromising sustainable mobility? The case of the Gothenburg congestion tax," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(6), pages 1058-1075, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:jenpmg:v:58:y:2015:i:6:p:1058-1075
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2014.912615
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    Cited by:

    1. Hysing, Erik & Isaksson, Karolina, 2015. "Building acceptance for congestion charges – the Swedish experiences compared," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 52-60.
    2. Gössling, Stefan, 2016. "Urban transport justice," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 1-9.
    3. Gil Solá, Ana & Vilhelmson, Bertil & Larsson, Anders, 2018. "Understanding sustainable accessibility in urban planning: Themes of consensus, themes of tension," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 1-10.
    4. Hansla, André & Hysing, Erik & Nilsson, Andreas & Martinsson, Johan, 2017. "Explaining voting behavior in the Gothenburg congestion tax referendum," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 98-106.

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