Delhi government mulls congestion tax on private vehicles

The Delhi government is looking at various methods to curb the traffic congestion and rising pollution in the city. The latest idea that is reported to be in consideration is a congestion tax on private vehicles.

The transport minister and PWD minister had visited Stockholm, the capital of Sweden to study the transportation system and road designs. Congestion tax is levied on vehicles entering areas of the city that are congested. This step is taken to discourage people from using private vehicles and switch to public transport.

The Delhi government plans to follow Stockholm's path and is mulling the introduction of a congestion fee in congested areas of the city like Chandni Chowk, Laxmi Nagar, Patel Nagar, Karol Bagh, etc. Additionally, a parking fee could be charged through machines. A team from Sweden is expected to visit the national capital to conduct a study.

There is also a proposal for a hike in one time parking charges, which will make vehicles more expensive. Campaigns like car-free day are also being organised.

Source: ET Auto