Congestion charging returns to Stockholm

The scheme came into effect at the end of August. It applies to Swedish registered vehicles driving into and out of the Stockholm inner city zone between Monday to Friday, 6.30 am and 6.29 pm.

However, it does not apply to buses over 14 tonnes or to vehicles which, according to the Swedish Road Administration’s vehicle registry, are equipped with technology for running completely or partially on electricity or a gas other than LPG or on a fuel blend that predominantly comprises alcohol. Some other vehicles, such as motorbikes, emergency services and foreign-registered vehicles are also exempt.

Cost and effect
Vehicles are registered automatically at ‘control points’ during the times when the tax is charged. Each passage into or out of the inner city zone costs SEK 10, 15 or 20, depending on the time of day. The accumulated passages made by any vehicle during a particular day are aggregated into what is called a ‘tax decision’. The maximum amount charged per day and vehicle is SEK 60.

During a six month trial of the scheme in 2006, traffic volumes in the designated area fell by just over 20 per cent.