The Victorian Government’s response to the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s Final report `Making the Right Choices: Options for Managing Transport Congestion’ is sensible and encouraging, says VECCI.
“We welcome the fact that the Government has taken an approach to congestion that emphasises infrastructure and incentives, with an emphasis on more park and ride car parking, freight transit efficiency measures and off-peak pricing of toll roads and public transport, as recommended in VECCI’s submission to the Inquiry”, says VECCI Chief Executive Officer Neil Coulson.
“The ruling out of a London-style congestion charge is particularly welcome at a time when the State Government and City of Melbourne have worked closely with business over recent years to revitalise the Melbourne CBD.
“A London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) survey indicated that the London congestion charge has impacted heavily on affected areas with 80 percent of businesses experiencing reduced turnover and 25 percent of businesses laying off staff.
“The ball is now in the Government’s court in terms of abolishing the CBD Parking Levy - there is no objective evidence that the levy has reduced traffic flows or congestion around the CBD or any evidence that it has encouraged more people to use public transport.
“The Levy is also a disincentive for businesses to set up head offices and operations in the Melbourne CBD”, says Mr Coulson. |
