Group discussion: Should German cities introduce a congestion charge to reduce traffic?

On February 17, 2003, London’s City Council started charging motorists who want to enter Central London. The congestion charge is a £15 daily charge for driving a vehicle within the inner city between 07:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday, 12:00-18:00 Saturday -Sunday and bank holidays. All motorists entering the charging zones have to pay, but there are exemptions for firefighters, discounts for taxis, motorbikes, buses.

SITUATION:

At a public meeting the introduction of a congestion charge in German is debated. You were chosen to represent your neighbourhood.

PRESENTATION STAGE

All members introduce themselves and outline their respective position regarding the introduction of a similar charge in German cities.

DISCUSSION STAGE

The participants should discuss reasons for the steadily increasing levels of traffic in cities.

The group should focus on the viability of charging zones, considering their positive and negative outcomings.

The group reaches a conclusion as to the necessity of congestion charges in German cities.