Congestion Caused by Speed Differences

In this paper, we investigate congestion caused by differences in desired or possible speeds. Especially outside peak hours, speed differences are probably one of the most important reasons for congestion. Although the model setting, with one lane and no overtaking, may seem simple at first sight, the problem turns out to result easily in quite complicated mathematical expressions. Some main conclusions are that optimal tolls for slow vehicles are higher than those for fast drivers, that the marginal external costs and the optimal tolls for slow drivers are actually decreasing in the equilibrium number of slow drivers, and that ‘platooning’ may become an attractive option especially when the desire for a low speed is caused by a lower value of time. Buβgeld für Langsamfahrer AFP München Wer mit seinem Auto auf einer unübersichtlichen Stra βe im "Schneckentempo" fährt und nachfolgende Wagen behindert, muβ mit einem Buβgeld rechnen. Nach einem gestern vom ADAC in München veröffentlichten Urteil des Amtgerichts Gemünden verstoβen Langsamfahrer gegen die Verkehrsordnung, wenn ein Überholen wegen ihrer Fahrweise nicht möglich ist. (Az.: OWi 372 Js 59889/96, DAR97, 251). From: Die Welt, July 12, 1997. 1