How to reduce congestion at roadworks? Pay drivers to stay away

Colin Black, Arcadis

19 February 2016

Colin Black is the UK business director for transport planning at Arcadis. He has been researching and developing innovative demand management approaches and delivering sustainable transport for more than 20 years.

Our typical approach to roadworks in the UK is to inform road users that they are coming (often not especially well) and then expect them to put up with it. But there is an increasing groundswell of public opinion asserting that a more pro-active approach should be adopted to reduce the impact of works, and the crusade has gained considerable popularity with the red-top tabloids.

The economic costs are substantial. Increased traffic congestion during roadworks typically reduces the total...