Australia: Congestion

Congestion charges should be considered on busy roads as a means of improving road efficiency and reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, an inquiry into Australia’s future oil supplies and alternative fuels has recommended.

However, congestion charges in central districts, like those levied in London, or that use electronic tolling, would be politically acceptable only if the revenue was channelled into public transport.


The inquiry heard that congestion charges could reduce fuel use in Australian cities by 30 per cent, reduce peak-hour travel by 20 per cent and cut overall travel time by 40 per cent.

“While the economic case for congestion charging is strong, politically it has been very difficult to implement because of the perception that it is yet another tax on motorists,” says the final report of a Senate committee inquiry into future oil supplies.

The Age