CONGESTION CHARGE FOR THE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT
Achievement	Target Date	Progress	Description	Further Information

ACHIEVEMENT: A congestion charge is levied on single occupant vehicle trips to the central activities district that directly finances public transport choices.

TARGET DATE: December 2005.

PROGRESS: Some.

DESCRIPTION: This idea is similar to the one implemented in central London that moves towards placing the real value on motor vehicle traffic in inner cities and has the effect of financing and encouraging the use of improved public transport services.

To implement this idea, I think it would be important to garner community support for the initiative. I have little doubt that despite the evidence that decreased motor vehicle traffic in inner city areas improves business profitability, that it will take time and effort to explain and implement this initiative. It will also require State Government support. I had understood that there was growing support for the idea amongst the State Government administration, though an announcement by the State Premier Steve Bracks that it would not go ahead has made progress more difficult.

The congestion tax could be administered through similar technology to that of the existing E-tag system used in Melbourne, though collected by government and used to directly finance public transport alternatives and better cycling and pedestrian facilities.

FURTHER INFORMATION: