Acceptability toward Policy Mix: Impact of Low-Carbon Travel Intention, Fairness, and Effectiveness

Abstract

Policymakers are implementing a combination of various travel demand management (TDM) policies to effectively reduce carbon emissions. Widespread acceptance of these policy mixes by residents plays a pivotal role in ensuring their successful implementation. Drawing upon the value–belief–norm (VBN) theory and policy-specific beliefs (perceived freedom, perceived fairness, and perceived effectiveness), this study evaluates the impact of low-carbon travel psychology and policy characteristics on the acceptability of a policy mix formed by the combination of mandatory measures and guiding measures within TDM. The empirical analysis leverages survey data obtained from 839 participants and employs a structural equation model. The results indicate that low-carbon travel willingness, perceived fairness, and perceived effectiveness significantly influence acceptability. Consequently, fostering low-carbon travel willingness among residents is essential for enhancing overall policy acceptability. Moreover, policy mixes that encompass incentives for the development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) are generally considered the most acceptable among residents due to their non-restrictive impact on private car usage. Given this analysis, policymakers should consider designing policy mixes that balance acceptability and effectiveness, such as incorporating policies for the development of NEVs, to address traffic pollution.