Transport is an important element in a stable economic setup. For this reason, the demand and supply of the service should be at equilibrium to enable the progress of necessary activities. The road usage in particular is vital since it connects all other transport systems including rail, water and aviation systems. This discussion narrows down to road usage which in most cases is free. In a case where the road usage is payable, the benefits realized from the fee finances the highway services. According to (Wuestefeld, 1988) toll roads refer to private or public roads where a fee is paid prior to road usage. This aspect is a tendency that aims to raise funds for constructing and maintaining the road system. The road network in Arkansas comprise both free and tolled roads (Reaves, 1943).
Any moment the road transport is critiqued, the congestion experienced on the road during peak hours emerges. During peak hours, the number of cars and other vehicles on the road rises. This aspect leads to more congestion. Congestion on the road has a substantial impact on time management especially where the user is heading to job. The building of the nation is halted by a poor transport system. Tolling eases congestion. This analogy stands out as the main advantage that ascertains the need for tolls. Secondly, the income associated with the motor fuel taxes adds to the Federal Trust Fund that is used to sustain the demand for roads. However, the situation where a state charges money on road users, denies them their birthrights bestowed to them by the constitution.
The world rapidly adopts new technology and policies. As aforementioned, tolling involve charging the road users especially during peak hours. This analogy suggests that different levies are to be imposed at different times of the day to create full capacities in road usage. As indicated in the article by Eric, taming road congestion and time wastage is dependent on policies which are not friendly to all citizens. In this respect, tolling emerges the best alternative that is practicable. Lastly, it is important to note that congestion on the roads causes a lot of environmental disorder, especially air and noise pollution. Reducing congestion on the road minimizes the level of pollution (Stopher, 2004).
References
Erick A. Morris (January 6, 2009). Why You’ll love paying for Roads That Used to Be Free.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5DCmDXJun4
Reaves, L. (1943). Highway bond refunding in Arkansas. The Arkansas Historical Quarterly,
2(4), 316-330.
Stopher, P. R. (2004). Reducing road congestion: a reality check. Transport Policy, 11(2), 117-
131.
Wuestefeld, N. H. (1988). Toll roads. Transportation Quarterly, 42(1).
