CBD dodges congestion tax

CBD dodges congestion tax

Premier Daniel Andrews has rejected Infrastructure Victoria’s proposed inner-city congestion tax.

Infrastructure Victoria proposed transport network pricing to be introduced all over Victoria. More specifically, a congestion tax was suggested for the CBD, which would have cost residents $5 every time they left or arrived home.

The congestion tax would work via a double cordon model, charging drivers $2 to enter the outer ring (areas such as South Yarra and Clifton Hill) and then an additional $3 to enter the CBD.

Premier Andrews shot down the idea just hours after the draft report was released, saying that Infrastructure Victoria was not the government and that he would not support the taxing of pre existing roads.

“We’ve had a very consistent policy about not tolling existing roads,” he said. “That remains our policy and that won’t be changing.”

The report said a congestion tax would slash inner-city congestion by 35 per cent.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy condemned the congestion tax as “madness” and expressed he felt it would deter people from living within the CBD.

“I don’t think that road user charge in terms of a congestion charge is a sensible idea,” he said.

The final report will be released to parliament by the end of 2016. To make a formal submission in response to the draft report, head to http://yoursay.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/30-year-strategy/ 

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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