<B>Q. With 35 years? experience in urban traffic management, what is your assessment of the congestion problem in Mauritius ?</B>

R. Figures speak for themselves. The car population ratio has reached 1: 12. And car growth over the last 10 years has reached 9 % per annum. Traffic congestion in Mauritius is an acute problem. Bold measures must be taken to tackle it because there are big problems lying ahead.

<B>Q. What is your solution then?</B>

I have proposed the introduction of congestion pricing in Mauritius based on the Singapore model. You know, the car population ratio in Singapore has reached 1: 10 and Singapore has got more than three times the number of vehicles than Mauritius. In spite of that, the congestion pricing system, which is working in 25 entry points there, has curtailed traffic congestion between 7.30 to 10.50 am.

This measure has proved helpful to curtail vehicle usage at times and places where they cause congestion. This concept has proved successful in London, Oslo and Singapore.

<B>What is the congestion pricing system?</B>

Congestion pricing is nothing more than a fee charged for entry or use of roads during peak hours. It is up to the government to decide on the fee. If congestion pricing is introduced, a drop of about 12, 000 vehicles can be expected during peak hours.

<B>Is it true that congestion pricing alone is not going to solve traffic jams in Port-Louis?</B>

Congestion pricing will solve part of the problem. That?s why I have proposed in my first report, the introductory measures including the improvement of bus operations, the review of car parking charges, the introduction of flexitime and the promotion of e-business. Other measures can be implemented. I?m thinking of traffic, pedestrian and parking space management. In the long run, the alternative mode of transport and the ring road will contribute to curtailing traffic problems in Port-Louis and other areas.

<B>When will Mauritius be able to introduce the Congestion Pricing system ? </B>

My experience tells me that if this system is accepted, your country will require a minimum of one year to implement it. The law has to be amended.