Congestion charges in Spanish cities

The government is considering introducing congestion charges for cars circulating in Spanish cities. The idea will be debated in PSOE's annual political conference due to take place between 15th - 17th September. The congestion charges would work in a similar way to those already in place in other European cities like London and Rome. In large German cities like Frankfurt and Cologne motorists will be charged as from 1st January.

Although PSOE admit that introducing charges is a controversial proposal it would only be under certain conditions. Each city would have the right to decide whether to introduce the charge and be able to adapt it accordingly to suit their interests.

However, it is unlikley that the idea will be approved at the conference given that PSOE has worked towards reducing car tolls on motorways for example in Galicia and Andalucía due to their unpopularity.

Some of the reasons behind the idea of introducing congestion charges are protecting historic buildings, improving public transport and improving the environment in city centres for its inhabitants. A similar idea was put forward by the Ministry for the Environment in 2004.

Other ways of improving the city centre and reducing traffic would be to introduce more bus lanes, introduce lanes for cars carrying more than one passenger, prohibit loading and unloading during the rush hour, create more cycle lanes and pedestrianised streets and introduce more environmetnally friendly public transport.

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