Congestion tax works in London: Albanese

Labor's infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese says London's congestion tax works so Melbourne could follow suit - but only if new public transport is built.

Victoria has ruled out a proposed $5 congestion charge for Melbourne but Labor's federal infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese says it's worked well in London.

A congestion tax was flagged in an Infrastucture Victoria report released this week but Labor Premier Daniel Andrews quickly ruled out charging motorists to drive on existing roads.

However, Mr Albanese was less dismissive on Wednesday.

"It works in London (but) the problem is what you need to do is have effective public transport before you can do that, and that's why you need the (Melbourne) Metro," Mr Albanese told 3AW.

The $11 billion Melbourne Metro Rail project has been fully funded by the state government with Mr Albanese insisting Victoria was being "ripped off" by the federal coalition in terms of infrastructure funding.

"The Commonwealth currently is giving Victorians nine per cent of infrastructure investment (but) Victoria represents 25 per cent of the population - it's being ripped off," he said.

"Victorians are being punished at the expense of NSW receiving most of the funding."


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Source: AAP



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