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| Cars pass the tollgate at Namsan Tunnel No.1 in Jung District, Seoul, Monday. Newsis |
By Lee Hyo-jin
The toll levied on cars passing through Namsan Tunnel in Seoul will be temporarily suspended for two months starting next month, according to city officials, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the congestion pricing scheme.
Based on the evaluation, the city authority will decide by the end of this year whether to fully scrap the toll collection system or not.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Monday that the 2000-won ($1.55) fee collected at Namsan Tunnel No. 1 and 3 on vehicles with less than three persons will be suspended for two months from March 17.
From that day until April 16, tolls will not be collected on cars traveling in a southbound direction, and beginning from April 17 to May 16, tolls will be suspended in both directions.
The city government said it will analyze and compare the traffic volume during the toll-free period with the same period in 2022. Based on the data, it will consult with experts and gather public opinions, after which it will decide within this year whether to maintain or fully abolish the congestion pricing system.
The move comes as the current toll system ― adopted in 1996 to reduce traffic congestion in the city center ― has come under scrutiny over its effectiveness. Under the current measures, tolls are collected from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. during weekdays, while the roads are open for free on weekends and national holidays.
Data from the city government shows that the pricing system has reduced traffic volume in the tunnels. According to data from the city, the daily number of passenger cars using the tunnels decreased by 20 percent from 90,404 in 1996 to 71,868 in 2021.
However, calls have been rising about the toll rate, which has been frozen for 27 years at 2,000 won, is becoming less effective in reducing traffic. Moreover, following the 60-percent discount measures offered to buses, trucks and electric cars, some have been pointing out that the authority should reconsider the pricing scheme.
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