Stockholmers set to approve road toll

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2006

STOCKHOLM (AFP) — Residents of the Swedish capital Stockholm appear set to approve a congestion charge aimed at reducing traffic and pollution, preliminary results of a weekend referendum show. The "yes" camp was credited with 53.1 percent of votes while 46.9 percent voted to reject the scheme in a poll held in conjunction with the country's legislative elections, according to partial results from the city council.

The final result was due to be published later Monday. If approved, the congestion tax would be introduced in March or April 2007, following similar systems in London, Rome and Singapore. A test period from January 3 until July 31 far exceeded the government's expectations of a 10 to 15 percent reduction of cars entering and leaving the capital, registering...