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Fees to drive through heart of NYC?

Friday, April 20, 2007

(New York - WABC, April 20, 2007) (WABC) -- Motorists in New York City's central business districts may soon be charged a fee during rush hour.

Mayor Bloomberg floated the idea Friday, during his weekly radio show -- and it's expected to be one of several proposals he'll unveil on Sunday in the city's plan for long term sustainability.

He explained what a city congestion pricing plan might look like:

Fees wouldn't be needed during less busy hours, most likely between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Drivers who already pay tolls on bridges and tunnels, such as those commuting from New Jersey and Staten Island, won't be hit twice with both full fees.

Motorists could likely bypass the traffic fees if they were not going through the heart of Manhattan.

Officials say congestion pricing would have to be approved by the state Legislature in Albany.

The concept of charging fees to cut down on traffic is being tried in various ways around the country, with support from city planners and environmentalists.

The best known program is in London, where transportation officials say charging drivers has helped cut down on congestion. But the fee, which equal to about $16, has gone up since its implementation in 2003.

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