Application of system dynamics for evaluating truck weight regulations

In the situation of prevailing overweight transportation and difficult enforcement in China, this paper develops a methodological framework for truck weight regulation evaluation using System Dynamics. Composed of five interrelated subsystems, the framework is able to capture the highway, vehicle and freight variables that influence the effect of TWR and transportation efficiency over time. It specifically describes the development and use of the Truck Weight Regulation Evaluating Model for the highway freight system in Anhui province, China. The simulation results show that, among three policy alternatives, the moderate policy approach is the most appropriate option to solve the social and economic problems arising from overweight transportation in Anhui. In addition, some suggestions of TWR policy in China are also made in this paper. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.