Controlling Traffic in the Alps based on Emission

A traffic political, transport-spreading controlling instrument of traffic for the environmentally compatible organisation of traffic in ecologically sensitive areas (alpine landscapes). The method of emission reduction by rationing passage authorizations with eco-points (until 2003) essentially relies on predictions of total emission development on tested engine values and an estimation of traffic development. If the emission values of the motor vehicles were computed too small, this uncertainty leads to increases in the actual total quantity of the emissions. In a road infrastructure law by means of prescribed plant-limit values the uncertainties of the system are shifted into the system and externalized not as load of nature and neighbour. It is characteristic for this traffic-science founded legal investment approach that it goes beyond the goal of cost truth. It formulates borders of maximum stress of the environment at the means of transport as ecological capacity borders. The distribution of pollutant emissions of goods traffic takes place through highly developed economic methods (emission licence trading) according to ecological criteria. The most progressive technology is forced by the definition of emission limit values. If successfully applicated, the controlling instrument for traffic offers the possibility to limitate pollutant emissions and to reduce external costs of goods traffic in ecologically sensitive areas.