Induced Traffic
"Traffic congestion problems should generally be addressed by
providing and enhancing alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles,
rather than by adding roads or road lanes. The long-term effect on
"induced traffic" (individuals' decision to drive on a particular road
or route encouraged by perceived low congestion) should be
carefully considered whenever roadways are reconfigured or
widened in an attempt to relieve congestion. When enhancing
intersections, as opposed to roadways, the City’s goal is to avoid
inducing additional traffic while reducing intersection queuing
times, to avoid polluting idling and to allow smooth flow of
traffic." City of Northampton Transportation Policies