Bangkok Adapts 'London Model' for Traffic Congestion Fees

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Wikimedia

 

The Thai Transport Ministry plans to implement the "London Model" to manage traffic congestion in Bangkok by introducing congestion fees in inner city areas. This move aims to reduce heavy traffic and fund public transport infrastructure.

 

Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, also the deputy prime minister, announced on Tuesday that the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has been tasked with studying successful congestion fee systems from around the world.

 

The study will focus on methods from England, Singapore, Stockholm, and Italy, examining fee rates and collection methods. The ministry anticipates completing the study by 2025.

 

Minister Suriya highlighted that the current law does not allow the government to collect these fees, a responsibility of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Therefore, new legislation may be required to implement this initiative.

 

An initial ministry-run survey on social media indicated that 60% supported the congestion fee concept, though support waned due to a lack of detailed information. The ministry recognizes the need to clarify details, such as the specific areas affected and the exemptions for residents within these zones.

While those living in the designated congestion areas will be exempt from fees, funds raised will be directed into an infrastructure fund managed by the Ministry of Finance. Some proceeds will support the government’s goal of reducing electric train fares to 20 baht across all routes.

 

The London Model, bolstered by support from the UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) project, utilises Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to manage toll collection, reported Bangkok Post.

 

London’s scheme covers a 21 square km area, charging £15 per day and operates on weekdays and weekends, excluding public holidays. This system has successfully decreased congestion by 16%, noted ministry spokesman Kritchanon Aiyapanya.

 

-- 2024-11-13

 

 

[webfact]

Bangkok to beat the gridlock with new congestion charge
 

 

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit revealed that Bangkok could soon join cities like London and Singapore with a congestion charge aimed at unclogging the city’s crowded streets and reducing pollution.

 

Suriya announced a six-month timeline for the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to finalise a study identifying the best model for implementing the charge.

 

“We’re looking at ways to ease Bangkok’s notorious traffic while generating funds to enhance our transit infrastructure.”

 

Suriya explained that fees collected through the congestion charge would bolster an infrastructure fund, enabling the government to potentially buy back electric train projects and introduce a flat 20-baht fare across the capital. According to Suriya, this approach aims to ease commuting costs, reduce traffic jams, and cut down on air pollution, especially in the city centre.

 

Addressing concerns, Suriya noted that over 60% of Bangkok’s public supports the congestion charge, although some residents in affected areas remain wary. To address this, he assured that city centre residents will be exempt from paying the charge.

 

 

 

“The final details will be known once the OTP completes its study.”

 

Transport Ministry spokesperson Kritchanon Aiyapunya revealed that Bangkok’s congestion charge model draws from success stories in London, Singapore, Stockholm, and Milan, where policies clearly define charge zones and times.

 

London, for instance, saw a 16% drop in traffic congestion and an 18% increase in public transport use after implementing the charge, he noted. London’s AI-driven camera system records vehicle plate numbers in designated zones, with fees payable through apps or online banking.

 

Highlighting growing acceptance, Kritchanon said, “In Stockholm, public support rose from 21% to 67% after implementation, and in London, support jumped from 39% to 54%.”

 

The OTP, now consulting with the British government, hopes this initiative could usher in a new era for Bangkok’s traffic and transit systems, reported The Nation.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-11-13

 

 

[lordgrinz]

Well this should go over like a lead balloon.

[Callmeishmael]

How are they going to prove residency?  Given Thailand's outdated Tabian Baan system many people who live in Bangkok are registered as living in Nakhon Nowhere.

[lordgrinz]

1 minute ago, Callmeishmael said:

How are they going to prove residency?  Given Thailand's outdated Tabian Baan system many people who live in Bangkok are registered as living in Nakhon Nowhere.

 

What would be funny is if they did it by province listed on the license plate, since almost everyone has a "Bangkok" plate, or soon will 🤣

[soi3eddie]

TomTom Traffic Index ranks Bangkok as 46th in the world for journey times. Whilst London ranks 1st worst in the world for slowest journeys. London has had a congestion charge since 2003 (now £15 or 660 Baht per day). I drive in London and Bangkok. I'll take Bangkok vs London anyday for driving around. All any new charge will do is cost motorists more and line the pockets of the BMA or Transport ministry. Traffic speeds and journey times will not improve.

 

Edited November 13 by soi3eddie

[Badbanker]

Can see this being implemented with a million motorcycles in Bangkok that are the lifeblood!   NOT!!!!

[phetphet]

No need to employ more staff. Just have the police collect the fee, in cash at junctions coming into the city. 

[lordgrinz]

5 minutes ago, phetphet said:

No need to employ more staff. Just have the police collect the fee, in cash at junctions coming into the city. 

 

Ah yes, just donate to the RTP Benevolent Fund, and all will be right in the world 😆

[khunjeff]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The study will focus on methods from England, Singapore, Stockholm, and Italy

 

Those places all implemented congestion charges after a good public transportation system was already in place, so that people had a good alternative to private cars - Bangkok seems to be doing things backwards.

[Guderian]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

...funds raised will be directed into an infrastructure fund managed by the Ministry of Finance. Some proceeds will support the government’s goal of reducing electric train fares to 20 baht across all routes.

...and a small portion, no more than 30%, used to provide ex-gratia payments to selected politicians for services rendered to Lord Thaksin the Thai people.

[kingstonkid]

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

What would be funny is if they did it by province listed on the license plate, since almost everyone has a "Bangkok" plate, or soon will 🤣

How the hell do you collect is what I can't figure out.  

 

Somchai drives to Silom to drop and pick up his daughters at St josephs.  

 

Somchai gets a bill in the mail that says he has to play and throws it away or cannot pay the extra fee.  How are they going to dtop Somchai.

 

Also what percentage of teh fee colleted is gong to innfras\tcture adn how much to pockets.

[Purdey]

Why would anyone compare Bangkok with London, Singapore, Stockholm, and Milan? Income is very different and driver discipline totally different (except perhaps for Milan)

Once the fee is introduced, expect it to rise whenever the government's coffers are declining.

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

This move aims to reduce heavy traffic and fund public transport infrastructure.

It usually starts the other way around, build the infrastructure then introduce inner city fees to encourage the change of habits.

[kingstonkid]

11 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

It usually starts the other way around, build the infrastructure then introduce inner city fees to encourage the change of habits.

T I  T

 

they arent even outlining the area.  Do they expect people to drive to morchit and get on an already overcrowded train.  

 

There is a way to cut downit is called raise the price of parking. 

[spidermike007]

An absolutely brilliant idea, anything that can be done to reduce traffic in the central areas of Bangkok would be smart and visionary. I would propose making the feet quite high to really serve as a deterrent. 

 

I would go a step further and say that all truck deliveries must be made between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

[BritScot]

6 hours ago, phetphet said:

No need to employ more staff. Just have the police collect the fee, in cash at junctions coming into the city. 

This must me a joke! 

[BritScot]

29 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

An absolutely brilliant idea, anything that can be done to reduce traffic in the central areas of Bangkok would be smart and visionary. I would propose making the feet quite high to really serve as a deterrent. 

 

I would go a step further and say that all truck deliveries must be made between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

You can't be that blind? It's all to do with collecting more money. Yes a very good idea about delivery times. However, this will never happen, because there these charges will cause such a backlash. Thai governments hate upsetting the public unless they have guns and tanks, mmmm, nope, infact their also scared of the masses.

[connda]

Bangkok Adapts 'London Model' for Traffic Congestion Fees

 

Translated:

The rich and wealthy may drive; the commoners swill can go to hell. 

[connda]

7 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

Well this should go over like a lead balloon.

I'm thinking that average Thais who make average wages, and who will be priced right off the street will take to the street en-mass and make it known that elitist laws kicking them off of the roads aren't going to go down well with the rank and file Thai citizens in Bangkok.

[cowellandrew]

I wonder if they will get the blade runners too?

 

 

[john donson]

will people get the bill in the mail and just ignore it, like speeding tickets?