Sweden Proposes Higher Gothenburg Congestion Charges
Swedish transport authorities want to expand Gothenburg's congestion tax with new zones and higher fees. The proposal would extend the tax until 2044 to fund railway projects. Local politicians are furious about the plan.
Transport authorities propose expanding Gothenburg's congestion tax system. A new zone would cover outer districts and neighboring municipalities. The hourly single-charge rule would also be eliminated.
These changes emerged in Sweden's new national infrastructure plan presented Tuesday. Officials revealed how to fund the Västlänken railway project and West Swedish Package infrastructure investments. The solution extends Gothenburg's congestion tax for seven more years until 2044.
The state will also provide new funding matching the extended tax revenue. This approach addresses Västlänken's escalating construction costs.
Gothenburg politicians reacted angrily to the announcement. During Wednesday's city executive committee meeting, multiple politicians accused transport officials of 'shooting themselves in the foot.' One attendee described the meeting as 'lively.'
Several politicians claimed the transport agency's 'credibility is now zero' according to meeting participants. The congestion tax expansion doesn't come as a complete surprise though. For years, officials recognized this as the simplest solution for covering the railway's rising costs.
Transport authorities also suggested increasing congestion tax rates and modifying the payment structure. The proposed changes would substantially increase costs for drivers commuting through Gothenburg's expanded zone system.
This funding approach shifts infrastructure costs directly onto daily commuters rather than using general tax revenues.