Melbourne : Congestion tax back on agenda

A congestion levy is being considered by the state's transport experts to remedy Melbourne's traffic woes and reduce its carbon footprint � just 12 months after Premier John Brumby ruled out a similar study. While the State Government is adamant it has no plans to impose such a transport charge on motorists, the Department of Infrastructure will assess the merits of a similar tax imposed on London motorists who drive into the city in peak periods, as part of a new study aimed at tackling global warming. The report, to be completed in 60 days, will consider ways to change driver behaviour and will examine foreign traffic congestion taxes to assess their potential effectiveness for central Melbourne. Motorists parking in the city centre already are charged $38 million a year through a car park space levy.