Amsterdam lawmakers probe possibility of a city centre toll

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion in Amsterdam, the city fathers are planning a toll similar to London’s congestion charge.

Claims that London’s infamous congestion charge has reduced the city’s congested Inner London streets by 15 per cent probably wouldn’t convince regular in-car commuters working in the heart of the British capital, but it seemed to convince Amsterdam’s municipality mayor and his aldermen. They’re basing the plan on a license plate study covering the west and south of the city centre, claiming that out of 40 million car journeys, between 40 and 60 per cent of the vehicles shouldn’t even have been on the city centre roads.

The goal of the scheme is to reduce traffic in the central zones by at least 50 per cent, with suggestions that a huge swathe of the city be divided into six restricted zones all connected by main roads with higher vehicle capacity. One way streets, the breaking up of dead-end streets and making certain routes far less attractive are part of the scheme which should result in improved air quality and easier crossing of roads by pedestrians. At the present time, the scheme is just a proposal as national legislation is necessary for it to proceed, but trials of alternative transport options and fees for driving in restricted areas can still be brought in.

Unsurprisingly, the idea of a toll hasn’t exactly been received with enthusiasm by Amsterdam’s motorists, whether Dutch or expat commuters, taxi or delivery drivers. Several smaller political parties are totally opposed to the proposal, and the Netherlands’ Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen has already stated she won’t be amending existing laws in order to make a toll possible. Political wrangling is likely to continue for while, but Amsterdam commuters are hoping the scheme will die a natural death somewhere on the city’s gridlocked roads.