Latest news with #congestionfee
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Council's plan for new driver charge as Aussie tourist town being 'loved to death'
Motorists could soon be charged to drive through one of Australia's busiest beach towns after its surge in popularity in recent years has left roads congested and parking options scarce, with the local council hoping the proposed fees will act as a deterrent to tourists. Queensland's Noosa Heads has long been a popular holiday destination, and during peak times roads such as Hastings Street on the beachfront can quite literally come to a standstill. These traffic jams have irked locals, who have pushed the council for a solution, and Noosa Shire Council has been consulting on plans to introduce a charge for those travelling in congestion-prone hotspots. It is unclear how much the congestion fee would be or how it would be collected. However, there are suggestions that toll booths would be installed along the road where drivers would have to stop and pay, or drivers could pay via a tag in their car, most likely on weekends and school holidays to begin with. More paid parking would also be introduced in busy areas, with lower costs for residents, and more transport infrastructure would be introduced to deter tourists from driving their cars along busy roads. The Destination Management Plan (DMP) claimed the town is "being loved to death" and the council acknowledged that it has to step in to mitigate the issues caused by tourists, while also accommodating them. Authorities are now urging the public to provide feedback on the DMP, and have until September to do so. If given the green like, it will be the first congestion road charge of its kind in Australia. It's proved a successful idea in cities overseas such as New York which introduced congestion pricing on certain roads in January this year. 😲 Council warns against common beach act in popular Aussie tourist town 👀 Family reveals the 'uncomfortable truth' about travelling full-time 🐊 Alarm raised after rare sighting at major Aussie tourist hotspot Vehicle recognition technology could be introduced to help The council has proposed introducing vehicle recognition technology on its roads to help determine whether cars are owned by locals or are simply travelling through. This would be used to ensure residents aren't copping the brunt of the proposed changes. Professor Matthew Burke from Griffith University previously told Yahoo News that congestion charges for tourists is "not a new idea" as several towns in the UK and Europe have them. When asked if he thinks it would be appropriate for Noosa, Professor Burke said that "it's not illogical". "[It would] free up that strip and discourage people from heading in and causing congestion to everyone else," he said. Illegal camping continues to put pressure on beach town While many coastal regions across the country have been grappling with illegal camping, Noosa in particular has been overrun with travellers sleeping overnight in car parks. The issue has become so significant that the council announced $333 fines will be issued to anyone caught illegally camping along the Peregian Esplanade or at Victory Park along Lorikeet Drive. The rules were introduced on July 24, with 50 fines handed out during two weeks in the area. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Chicago rideshare drivers holding rally calling for investigation into Uber's "congestion fee"
Chicago rideshare drivers are holding a rally outside the City Council on Wednesday, calling for an investigation after Uber admitted to overcharging riders. The Illinois Drivers Alliance with SEIU Local 1, IAM Local 701, and the Chicago Gig Alliance will meet around 9:30 a.m. The groups said 50th Ward Alderwoman Debra Silverstein will join the drivers. The rideshare drivers are demanding hearings on Uber's unauthorized $1.50 "congestion fee." The fee was taken without the city's consent or oversight. Rideshare companies are allowed to charge a $1.50 surcharge for all rides to and from downtown from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The groups said rideshare drivers were "never notified about the fee and were left to deal with upset passengers." A spokesperson for the rideshare company said that since Jan. 6, customers have been mistakenly charged a congestion fee after 10 p.m. due to an internal error. They said, "We are actively identifying all affected customers and will issue refunds accordingly."
