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NYC Approves Congestion Toll

City passes $8 fee to drive into midtown Manhattan

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 1, 2008 4:54 AM CDT
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(Newser) – New York City has moved a step closer to charging drivers $8 to enter midtown Manhattan. The City Council voted 30-20 in favor of the proposal, known as "congestion pricing," that has already been established in cities like London to reduce traffic. The next hurdle is approval from the state legislature. Mayor Bloomberg said the vote mirrors the "strong backing" of New Yorkers, reports the New York Daily News.

Opponents vowed to fight on despite the setback. "This is the greatest city in the world, and one of the greatest freedoms is the freedom to move about it freely," said one councilman. "What's next? We're going to charge a user fee to go into Central Park because it's crowded?"

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg hailed a city council vote in favor of a proposal to charge drivers $8 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg hailed a city council vote in favor of a proposal to charge drivers $8 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street.   (AP Photo/Frances Roberts)
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to charge drivers $8 to enter Manhattan was approved by the city council Monday.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to charge drivers $8 to enter Manhattan was approved by the city council Monday.   (AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh)
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to charge drivers $8 to enter midtown Manhattan was approved by the city council Monday.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to charge drivers $8 to enter midtown Manhattan was approved by the city council Monday.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
An NYPD traffic officer directs traffic on Times Square. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to charge drivers $8 to enter midtown Manhattan was approved by the city council Monday.
An NYPD traffic officer directs traffic on Times Square. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan to charge drivers $8 to enter midtown Manhattan was approved by the city council Monday.   (AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh)
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City Council backs mayor's congestion pricing plan
Newsday

Congestion pricing plan wins council OK
New York Post

Council approves congestion pricing measure
New York Times

US

 
New York City • Manhattan • congestion pricing • traffic • David Paterson • Joe Bruno • Mayor Bloomberg

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