#TrumpTariffs The Trump administration's stance on traffic and transportation has been marked by two significant moves:
*Reversal of "Road Diets" Guidance*
The Trump administration reversed long-held federal guidance supporting "road diets" aimed at improving traffic safety. Road diets involve reducing travel lanes and reallocating space to promote safety, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and reduced speeding. This decision was met with criticism from transportation experts and urban planners, who argued it prioritized vehicular flow and road capacity over safety and environmental concerns.¹
*Key Concerns:*
- *Safety:* Critics argued that wider roads encourage speeding, which increases accident risk.
- *Emergency Response Times:* Trump's transportation department cited concerns about emergency vehicles, but research found no noticeable difference in response times when road diets were in place.
- *Environmental Impact:* Road diets can promote more sustainable transportation options and reduce environmental impact.²
*Proposed Traffic Tax on Mexico and Canada*
Trump also proposed imposing a tariff-like tax on traffic crossing US borders with Mexico and Canada. This plan would:
- *Increase Costs:* Higher transportation costs for businesses and consumers.
- *Impact Trade:* Potential slowdown of cross-border trade and increased prices for goods.
- *Generate Revenue:* The tax would aim to generate revenue for the US government while discouraging imports.³
These moves reflect the administration's focus on deregulation and prioritizing economic growth, but critics argue they compromise safety, environmental, and social concerns.