Managing traffic congestion

In 2006, the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission estimated the economic costs of Melbourne's congestion ranged from A$1.3 billion to A$2.6 billion per year, and that this was likely to double by 2020. Trends over the past 10 years demonstrate that Melbourne's traffic congestion is increasing. Specifically, road use, the duration of morning and afternoon peak hours, and the time spent in traffic have all grown substantially over the past decade, while the average travel speed on inner city freeways has steadily declined. Congestion is generally worse in inner Melbourne than outer areas, with travel to and from work and school representing one of the most significant contributors. Other key causes relating to both supply- and demand-side factors include: 1. the underpricing of road use; 2. road infrastructure design and operation; 3. the growing demand for travel; 4. inadequate public transport and cycling alternatives, especially in newer suburbs. Congestion is a product of these supply- and demand-side factors, so effectively managing it requires a mix of measures to address the causes. Demand management can reduce congestion by encouraging less car commuting during peak periods. This contrasts with supply-side approaches, which seek to relieve congestion by supplying extra road space. This audit assessed whether traffic congestion is being effectively managed. It examined how well key institutional arrangements support strategic planning, cross-government coordination for, and management of traffic congestion, and the effectiveness of key strategies and initiatives for managing congestion.

• Record URL:
  http://www.audit.vic.gov.au/publications/20130417-Managing-Traffic-Congestion/20130417_Managing_Traffic_Congestion.pdf
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9781922044433
• Corporate Authors:

  Victoria. Auditor-General

  Melbourne, Victoria   

  Victoria. Auditor-General

  ,    
• Publication Date: 2013-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 61p
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 221, Session 2010&nd

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Demand; Economic analysis; Highway traffic control; Supply; Traffic congestion; Transportation planning; Urban areas
• Uncontrolled Terms: Policy and planning
• Geographic Terms: Melbourne (Australia)
• ATRI Terms: Demand; Economic analysis; Supply; Traffic congestion; Traffic management; Transport planning; Urban area
• Subject Areas: Economics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01481756
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• ISBN: 9781922044433
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: May 21 2013 10:54AM