For several decades, traffic analysts have recognised lack of political and public acceptability as a main road block to charging as a means for relieving highway and urban traffic congestion. For various reasons, like doubts about effectiveness, reluctance towards imposition of new taxes, concerns on distributional effects, etc., congestion charges have proven to lack public support. Politicians who want to survive the next election have been well advised to avoid propositions of levying congestion charges.Recently, however, politicians have given citizens in two major cities the possibility to a direct vote on congestion charges in local referenda. The outcome in Edinburgh in 2005 seemed to confirm that congestion charging is subject to political impossibility. A convincing majority of 74 against charges terminated further discussion on the subject. However, one year later, in September 19, 2006, the residents of Stockholm gave new life to the dead body, albeit with a less clear majority, by accepting a congestion charge scheme.
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