Thailand is set to introduce a congestion charge in six high-traffic areas in Bangkok to tackle traffic jams and reduce environmental pollution.
By imposing a fee on motorists who drive through selected routes during peak hours, the initiative aims to ease traffic congestion, promote the use of public transport, lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance air quality, and foster sustainable urban development.
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit stated that the charge will start at 40-50 baht per vehicle and will increase every five years, eventually reaching 80 baht per vehicle.
The scheme is anticipated to generate approximately 10 billion baht per year. These funds will support the 20-baht train fare cap currently in place on certain state-operated routes.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the congestion fee will be implemented in six specific areas of Bangkok:
– At the Phetchaburi-Thonglor intersection (Phetchaburi and Thonglor roads), the traffic volume is 60,112 vehicles per day.
– At the Silom-Naradhiwas intersection (Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra and Silom roads), it is 62,453 vehicles per day.
– At the Sathorn-Naradhiwas intersection (Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra and Sathorn roads), the count is 83,368 vehicles per day.
– At the Pathumwan intersection (Phaya Thai and Rama I roads), traffic reaches 62,453 vehicles per day.
– The Ratchaprasong intersection (Ratchadamri, Rama I, and Phloen Chit roads) sees 56,235 vehicles per day.
– At the Pratunam intersection (Ratchadamri, Ratchaprarop, and Phetchaburi roads), the number is 68,473 vehicles per day.
Globally, several cities have successfully implemented congestion charges to help reduce traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
For example, the United Kingdom introduced this measure in 2003, which led to a 15% reduction in traffic, generated 1.2 billion pounds sterling (equivalent to 50.33 billion baht), and reduced carbon emissions by 16%.
Similarly, Milan in Italy adopted the charge in 2012, resulting in a 12% drop in traffic, a 48% increase in public transport usage, and a 15% reduction in carbon emissions.
