Reykjavik mayor rejects tolls on existing main roads

Reykjavik Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir says the city will oppose tolls for general traffic on existing main roads, while remaining open to fees on new transport projects. She made the remarks to Morgunblaðið.

The city would consider tolls to help finance projects such as the proposed Miklabraut tunnels or Sundabraut, provided drivers could use an alternative free route. Drivers could pay to travel more quickly on the new routes, Björnsdóttir said.

Her comments followed concerns raised by Miðflokkur city councillor Ari Edwald about the possibility of charging tolls on the city’s main roads to help fund the Capital Region Transport Agreement. He proposed holding a public vote on the issue.

Björnsdóttir said that if the state sought to introduce such tolls, the city would resist and could use its planning powers. She also said a public opinion poll among residents would be useful.