A leading economic think-tank has called for a congestion charge to alleviate traffic bottlenecks in Australia's major cities.
The Grattan Institute says incentives should be offered for drivers to avoid peak times on the road.
The institute's transport director, Marion Terrill, has told the ABC the proposed charge is not a tax.
"The idea would be if you want to drive on congested roads at peak hour, that you would pay a small charge. But if you can avoid that by going earlier or later or taking the train, or maybe not taking the trip at all in some cases, then that's an opportunity for you to save some money. We've also suggested that the cost of this be offset against registration discounts. We're saying if you contribute to congestion, you pay a charge for that. If you don't, there's no reason to charge you for that." Marion Terrill said.
The institute says only fourteen per cent of employees in Sydney and Melbourne actually work in the CBD.
