Die Akzeptanz einer Städtemaut: Erkenntnisse einer Befragung aus drei Ruhrgebietsstädten
Congestion charges represent an effective instrument for mitigating traffic congestion, accidents, and air pollution, yet despite their demonstrable benefits, public acceptance remains low. Based on a survey of approximately 1,500 participants in Bochum, Dortmund, and Essen, Mark A. Andor, Viola Helmers, Christian Hoenow, and Eva Hümmecke examine how the framing of the scheme, the fee level, and the use of revenues shape acceptance for the introduction of congestion charges in the respective city. On average, this stands at around 24 percent. Acceptance is higher when the scheme is framed as congestion charge (the exact term "Städtemaut" in German) and lower when it is presented as an environmental charge ("Umweltbeitrag" in German) or a congestion avoidance fee ("Stauvermeidungsgebühr" in German). Acceptance is likewise higher—and less strongly influenced by the fee level—when revenues are used for sustainability and social purposes rather than for other purposes. The pronounced variation in acceptance underscores how important the examined factors are for successful implementation of congestion charges, as is strategic communication.
Andor, M., V. Helmers, N. Hoenow and E. Hümmecke (2026), Die Akzeptanz einer Städtemaut: Erkenntnisse einer Befragung aus drei Ruhrgebietsstädten. Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, 27, 3 Sonderheft Verhaltensökonomik, 318-331