big cities are starting to make people pay a fee to drive into their downtown area?

Question

are you in favor of this, and why or why not.
Does anyone know "why" they are doing this? I mean, what are they planning to do with the money? And will workers have to pay the same amount as visitors do?

Can you imagine yourself on a trip (like maybe north to south) and trying to save time by driving thru the big city only to get hit with this "use" fee.

Answer 1

I think its a great idea , I live in the city and there's to much smog now . I guess if you want to save time then pay for us smelling your exhaust. Actually we need an alternative clean burning fuel just driving alone is starting to cost way to much money and screwing up the economy . People are afraid that if we use an alternative fuel it would put us in a recession but look at what using oil is doing to the economy and the earth.

We are just going to have to take that giant step and switch over to something different

Answer 2

It almost sounds like a good idea. The down side is that "informed people" may avoid the city altogether, and cause it to lose enough commerce to force development to surround the city and leave it like some urban US Cities, ie Detroit, East St Lewis. I rarely stay in large cities, unless it is absolutely necessary. It is usually cheaper, better accommodations, customer service and restaurants; and less of a headache to stay outside of any unfamiliar city and drive in.

When was the last time your City Government did something that actually worked the way they initially promised.

As usual the residents of the city will have to bear the burden when the tourism and commerce drop off.

Answer 3

London instituted an 8pound per day fee. They did this to combat traffic problems, improve the air quality and encourage use of public transportation. It had little effect so they are thinking of raising the rate. I hope more and more cities with good mass transit systems implement this fee.

I don't believe anyone thinks they can save time while going north to south or east to west by going through downtown London, Mexico City, Bogota, Bangkok etc.

Answer 4

i am in favor of this ,, there is way to much traffic i live in a small community with no traffic and then when i have to go to the city to buy groceries or something i hit traffic and the city is like 100 times smaller than LA and for the workers maybe they can start carpooling or walking bikes are also an option

Answer 5

London, England, is doing this to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. I suppose they are using the money the same way they use any other tax money. It is just a special kind of tax.

Answer 6

yes, because the roads are crowded. it will reduce traffic. we have to pay for everything else we need - clothes, food, tollways, etc. i think it's a great idea. traffic jams are a huge problem. there is plenty of info on why cities are doing this. i've been hearing it for years. hopefully people will decide to take the bus or train to reduce pollution, delays, congestion, etc.

Answer 7

This is the sort of behavior that causes mainstream Democrats to vote for weak incompetent Republicans.

Unfortuately many in the environmental movement get the idea that we must force those "ignorant wasteful people" to be less wasteful.

The message is a hostile one and it comes through loud and clear.

Lifelong Democrats percieve the hostility in the message and vote Republican and VOILA!!!!!

More weak, incompetent Republicans are elected to office.

Answer 8

they are saying there is too much traffic downtown, and they want you to use public transportation or take an alternate route. The fee is just an incentive - you don't have to take it personally.