No charges for driving in Athens
Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis said that he wants the final say on whether charging for congestion will be introduced in the capital, while making it clear that he is against the idea of charging drivers to enter the city center during rush hour. «No government can introduce such measures without first asking the people who rule the city,» said Kaklamanis after being questioned about rumors that the government is looking into introducing congestion charging. Kaklamanis would seem to have an ally in Transport Minister Michalis Liapis, who also seems to be against the idea and said on Thursday that it was «too early» to discuss the matter. Congestion charging began in London in 2003 and Stockholm became the latest European city to adopt the scheme a few days ago. Swedish officials hope that the measure will cut traffic in the city center by up to 15 percent as it will cost drivers between 1.50 and 6.50 euros to enter Stockholm’s central district between 6.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.
