Noida is all set to join select club of cities across the world like London, Singapore, Stockholm and Oslo by charging buyers looking to increase their fleet of cars. The district administration has made up its mind to implement a scheme proposed by the state government to levy congestion tax from the owners of more than one car on every new purchase.
The district magistrate has suggested excessively increasing the amount of registration fee in different slabs for each new vehicle purchased, depending on its number. The levy will be half, equal to and double the cost of the second, third and fourth vehicle purchased, respectively. This proposal, however, will leave the first car buyers untouched. They will have to pay the normal registration fee applicable.
Officials are of the view that if the Government accepts the proposal, the move is definitely going to unclog Noida roads, inspire individuals to use public transport, and consequently help bring down the pollution level in the city.
Explaining the scheme, DM NP Singh said, "For the second car, the owner will be charged half of the vehicle cost as registration fee. For the third car the fee will be equal to the vehicle's cost and for the fourth the fee will be double its cost. The charges will be applicable for a family.”
Central London is the first to charge the car owners congestion tax in 2003. The London congestion charge is a fee charged on the vehicles operating within the designated Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) between 07:00 and 18:00, from Monday to Friday in Central London. The congestion charge is not applicable on weekends and public holidays.
