More than 50 % of Chileans are in favour of congestion charges: The technology for efficient implementation already exists
Santiago de Chile, April 14, 2026 – The debate on congestion charging in urban areas has taken a significant turn in Chile.
According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos, 52% of Chileans agree with the implementation of congestion charges, demonstrating a growing openness to innovative solutions to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic during peak hours. This public support marks a turning point in moving towards smarter, more sustainable traffic management models based on globally proven technology.
How does congestion charging work?
The congestion charging system, known internationally as congestion charging, is based on a clear principle: managing road demand through dynamic pricing that discourages car use at times and in areas of high congestion. Its operation relies on advanced technology that enables vehicles to be identified, processed and charged entirely electronically and without any friction for the user.
At Kapsch TrafficCom, a world leader in electronic tolling technology and intelligent traffic management, expert Mauricio Peña explains: “The system involves the installation of sensors, automatic number plate recognition cameras and communication devices that enable the detection and recording of every vehicle travelling through a specific area. This information is processed on central platforms that calculate the charge based on variables such as the time of day, real-time congestion levels or the type of vehicle.”
Payment is made electronically, via number plate recognition or integration with digital payment systems, eliminating the need for vehicles to stop and maintaining a continuous flow of traffic.
International experience
International experience shows that these systems generate concrete and measurable impacts. In cities where they have been implemented, there has been a significant reduction in traffic in critical areas, a decrease in pollutant emissions, improved journey times, and a promotion of the use of public transport and other more sustainable modes of mobility. In this context, the shift in public perception in Chile reinforces the potential of this type of policy to transform urban mobility.
Kapsch has participated in flagship projects worldwide, such as the congestion charging schemes in London and Gothenburg. All of these are recognised for their effectiveness in reducing congestion and their contribution to sustainable mobility policies. According to the expert, “these implementations share a central element: the use of interoperable, scalable technology capable of adapting to the specific needs of each city. This allows not only for the management of current demand, but also for evolution towards more advanced models of connected mobility and comprehensive transport management”.
Towards smarter and more sustainable cities
Chile’s current context, marked by high levels of congestion in its major cities and a public increasingly aware of the need for structural solutions, positions the country as a natural candidate for moving towards smart pricing systems. Peña explains that “technology is no longer a barrier. Existing systems allow for gradual implementation, with high standards of efficiency, transparency and public acceptance when properly designed.”
Mauricio Peña concludes that “congestion charging is a strategic urban planning tool that enables the optimisation of existing infrastructure without the need for major physical investment. In a scenario where sustainability and urban quality of life are growing priorities, its implementation represents a concrete opportunity to move towards smarter, more efficient and more liveable cities.”
Kapsch TrafficCom is an international provider of traffic solutions for sustainable mobility with successful projects in more than 50 countries worldwide. Our innovative solutions in the areas of toll collection and traffic management contribute to a healthy world without traffic congestion.
With our end-to-end solutions, we cover the entire value chain of our customers, from the components to the design and implementation to the operation of the systems.
Kapsch TrafficCom, headquartered in Vienna, has subsidiaries and branches in more than 25 countries and is listed on the main segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange (symbol: KTCG). More than 3,000 employees of Kapsch TrafficCom generated revenues of EUR 530 million in the fiscal year 2024/25.