Calrissian
Active Member
http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=6807418
Canadian Auto Press
If you're an international automotive fan, you're probably aware of the situation in London regarding the Congestion Charge, and the idea that driving in certain areas in central London between certain hours will cost you money makes you cringe. It started back in 2003 at a cost of £5 per drive, more recently rose to £8, and is expected to make a giant leap to £25 this October for vehicles that emit more than 225 g/km of carbon dioxide.
Though London isn't the first place to implement a road pricing scheme of this sort, it is one of the most discussed, that is, until a similar plan gets implemented in New York City. New York City Council has voted in favour of "Congestion Pricing", with a 30-to-20 vote for the plan, and now the issue is on its way to the Senate to gain approval.
Which jurisdictions will be affected? Anywhere south of 60th Street will be taxed between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm. And how much? If you drive a regular car, it'll set you back $8. If it's a truck you're driving the price nearly triples to $21. Payment is made through a transponder called E-ZPass, although vehicles that don't have one can pay their tolls via mail or the internet. Low-income commuters will receive tax deductions and handicapped drivers won't need to pay.
Those in favour of the system say that it would bring in much-needed funds to improve the city's transit system. Although this info at first seems pretty much irrelevant to anyone who lives or works outside of Manhattan, keep in mind that if New York City gets the go-ahead with Congestion Pricing it won't be long before other cities catch on.
Canadian Auto Press
If you're an international automotive fan, you're probably aware of the situation in London regarding the Congestion Charge, and the idea that driving in certain areas in central London between certain hours will cost you money makes you cringe. It started back in 2003 at a cost of £5 per drive, more recently rose to £8, and is expected to make a giant leap to £25 this October for vehicles that emit more than 225 g/km of carbon dioxide.
Though London isn't the first place to implement a road pricing scheme of this sort, it is one of the most discussed, that is, until a similar plan gets implemented in New York City. New York City Council has voted in favour of "Congestion Pricing", with a 30-to-20 vote for the plan, and now the issue is on its way to the Senate to gain approval.
Which jurisdictions will be affected? Anywhere south of 60th Street will be taxed between the hours of 6 am and 6 pm. And how much? If you drive a regular car, it'll set you back $8. If it's a truck you're driving the price nearly triples to $21. Payment is made through a transponder called E-ZPass, although vehicles that don't have one can pay their tolls via mail or the internet. Low-income commuters will receive tax deductions and handicapped drivers won't need to pay.
Those in favour of the system say that it would bring in much-needed funds to improve the city's transit system. Although this info at first seems pretty much irrelevant to anyone who lives or works outside of Manhattan, keep in mind that if New York City gets the go-ahead with Congestion Pricing it won't be long before other cities catch on.