The optimization of traffic congestions in big cities: the role of the motor vehicle restriction mechanism

Abstract

In large cities, the traffic congestion has become an important issue that hinders urban economic development. The motor vehicle restriction policy is an important means for big cities to reduce traffic congestions, and is also used by many large cities around the world. According to the practical experience in Beijing, this paper makes the survey to analyze the impact of restrictive policies on residents’ travel choices and takes travel habits into consideration, to provide an urban traffic congestion solution. This paper argues that the restriction policy as an effective way to optimize the traffic in large cities by reducing the proportion of motor vehicle travel choice by 33.2%. In addition, travel habits as a conductive mechanism play the key role in solution of urban traffic congestions.