An effective demand management instrument in urban transport: The Area Licensing Scheme in Singapore

Abstract

In urban transport policy-making, demand management instruments can be used to alleviate traffic congestion. Area licensing, which is based on the road pricing concept, is one such instrument. The paper analyses Singapore's efforts in implementing its Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) over the last two decades. It looks at the socio-economic and physical background of the city-state, its level of motorisation and the traffic congestion problems faced. It then discusses the operational aspects of the ALS and the chronological development of the scheme. It analyses the positive impacts of the scheme on traffic congestion by using indicators such as traffic volume and speed. It is suggested that for successful replication of the ALS certain prerequisites such as public acceptability, appropriate technical features and complementary transport strategies have to be met. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.