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Driving into Gothenburg now costs money as congestion paying stations are erected

Wednesday, 02 January 2013
Congestion charges have been introduced in Gothenburg, the second biggest city in Sweden and it goes into effect on last Wednesday morning. There are still protest and groups are vying to quash the new payment - driving policy.

Vehicles driving into or through Gothenburg will pay a fee coined the congestion charge fee and this is levied on vehicles driving into or out of the central parts of Gothenburg and the Älvsborgsbron (Älvsborgs bridge) and the E6 motor way Tingstad tunnel.

The pay system was activated 06.00 on Wednesday with 36 pay stations around Gothenburg. It cost from Skr10 on the sign to drive into the city centre. Initial reports hold that there was a drop in traffic, but more time is needed to see the effect when figures will start being assembled. Passage on weekdays between 06:00 and 18:29 as well as weekends will be drive cost free.

According to the Swedish Transport Administration the congestion charge aims to increase accessibility and reduce the burden on the environment. The money coming will to help finance investments in roads and railways in the so-called Western Swedish package.

But the congestion charge has come under intense scrutiny and criticism from the locals who have collected signature to force a referendum on the issue. Critics argue that people are being imposed policies that are not democratic and which nobody campaigned for. By Last week, close to 50 thousand signatures had been collected by the Gothenburg based tabloid paper, GT which has also been in the fore front of the campaign to quash the congestion zone.

Image source: Radio Sweden
It is not yet clear when a referendum will come into play and what the authorities will do if the people reject the congestion program.
We will keep posted on developments but people travelling to Sweden and Gothenburg in particular should take note about the congestion palaver.
By Scancomark.com Team

Note:

Betalstation = Payment stations
Gräns för frängselavgift = boundary of Congestion zone charge

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