Utah state officials looking at congestion fee

Charging a fee might dramatically reduce congestion, a state official believes.

The Associated Press

7/25/2008

LAYTON, Utah — Utah state highway officials may look at charging drivers using certain lanes during peak traffic hours.

Stuart Adams, chairman of the state transportation commission, says the move could dramatically decrease congestion.

The idea, called congestion pricing, would use a sliding scale and real-time data to charge drivers using dedicated lanes based on the number of cars already on the road.

Adams says that kind of program could help cut nonessential driving when roads are the most clogged.

Similar steps have been taken in other states. Adams says it should be considered in Utah.