Sydney Mayor Clover Moore is not against introducing a toll for petrol and diesel drivers to enter Australia’s busiest CBD amid debate from political leaders over whether to adopt a London-style low-emissions zone.
Moore said there were several initiatives underway that the local council, which encompasses the Sydney CBD area, was implementing to lower emissions, including building more charging stations for EVs.
“A CBD congestion charge or low-emissions zone is one possibility if the [state] government makes the Cross City Tunnel free to use for those who don’t need to travel into the city and ensures service and trade vehicles are accommodated,” she added.
“Other global cities around the world have already introduced low-emission zones and cordon charges, and we are calling on the NSW government to find a sensible and equitable solution that supports transport electrification.”
Moore noted, however, that the city council did not have the power to impose special charges and was aware cost of living was something many Sydneysiders were dealing with.
The mayor of North Sydney, across the harbour, was also open to the idea of a special fee.
Yet mayors in the predominantly working-class areas of western Sydney ruled out the idea.
“It’s virtue signalling from elitists at the expense of the hardworking people of the West,” said Mayor Ned Mannoun.
“It’s a ridiculous idea, and if the City of Sydney is serious about reducing emissions, then they should encourage the big corporates in the CBD to move their jobs out west so our people don’t have to drive to the city.”
What is the Zero-Emission Zone?
Discussion around the idea comes after the Australian Capital Territory government backed a motion to sign up to the C40’s “Green and Healthy Streets Accelerator” concept, which calls on governments to only operate zero-emission buses from 2025 and establish a “zero-emission” zone within their city by 2030.British drivers of hydrogen or battery-powered cars can enter the ULEZ for free, while those driving regular cars (even hybrids) must pay 12.50 pounds (US$16.20).
License plate numbers are tracked to ensure compliance. The scheme has been adopted by several other UK cities, including Bath, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
A spokesperson for the ACT Labor-Greens government told The Epoch Times it would not ban the use of petrol or diesel vehicles within city limits but that it wanted to provide “better choice and opportunities” to use public transport, encourage walking, and increase zero-emission vehicle usage.
“We will work with other leading cities who are tackling climate change to share ideas on effective policies and initiatives that drive down transport emissions and transport costs for consumers,” the spokesperson previously said.
The concept of a low emissions zone has received criticism from a disability advocacy group, Advocacy for Inclusion.
CEO Craig Wallace warned that it was “oversimplistic” to assume only high-income individuals drove polluting vehicles and could afford extra fees.
“Some people with disabilities drive older vehicles (and larger vehicles) due to poverty and practical issues in the design of new vehicles,” Wallace said in a statement.
“The reality is that some people with disabilities and older people are totally reliant on cars for essential travel for work, education, services, family, recreation, and medical appointments.”
