Spillover Effect Details
- Policy
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Swiss Roads Initiative
- Alternative
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Implement Smart Traffic Management Systems (STMS)
- Dimension
- Energy
- Criteria
-
- Emissions reduction potential
- Time Frame
- 0
- Score
-
- PositiveImpact
- The implementation of Smart Traffic Management Systems (STMS) has the potential to significantly reduce emissions by optimizing traffic flow, thereby minimizing idling times and overall vehicle congestion. Improved traffic efficiency can lead to a decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, contributing positively to Switzerland’s climate goals and enhancing air quality for future generations. Moreover, the lower implementation cost compared to physical expansions allows for financial resources to be directed towards further green initiatives or technologies that further reduce emissions.
- NegativeImpact
- Despite its benefits, STMS may lead to unforeseen negative impacts, such as users adapting to increased congestion free routes that may inadvertently shift traffic to smaller roads, exacerbating localized congestion and increased emissions in those areas. Additionally, reliance on technology can create issues during system failures or outages, which may lead to both increased congestion and emissions at those moments. This alternative may also fail to fully address the underlying demand for road space, resulting in transient relief rather than long-term solutions to emissions reductions.
- Description
- The alternative of Smart Traffic Management Systems (STMS) is a technologically savvy approach to mitigating current issues plaguing high-traffic routes like the A1 motorway. While it shows promise in reducing congestion through data-driven traffic management, its ability to create real assets for future generations depends on effective implementation and public acceptance. Compared to complete physical expansion projects, STMS presents a less invasive and financially responsible option that can yield both immediate relief and longer-term benefits through sustained emission reductions, however, the remaining complexities of user behavior and infrastructural demands must be addressed.