Seoul City is promoting a plan to halve the congestion charge collected at the Namsan Tunnel when residents of Jung-gu go south of Namsan and return.
On the 2nd, Seoul City announced that it has proposed the amendment to the local government ordinance on the collection of congestion charges in Seoul.
The amendment stipulates that the toll will be reduced by 50% for privately owned vehicles registered in Jung-gu, where the congestion charge collection point (tollgate) is located. The intent is to ensure essential passage for local residents.
The congestion charge is a fee levied on vehicles passing through congested areas to alleviate urban traffic congestion and manage traffic demand. Since November 1996, Seoul City has imposed a congestion charge of 2,000 won on vehicles passing through Namsan Tunnels 1 and 3. Since January 15 of last year, only vehicles entering the city center have been subject to the congestion charge.
In the meantime, Jung-gu, adjacent to the Namsan Tunnel, has demanded that Seoul City exempt residents from the congestion charge. The argument is that it is unfair to charge residents for using the tunnel to return home in the city. Since last year, Seoul City has been reviewing the reduction of the congestion charge for residents.
The amendment is set to be presented at the next temporary session of the Seoul City Council in April for review and approval. If it passes the general assembly, it will take effect on June 1.