The number of cars passing toll plazas into Oslo on Monday fell by 6 percent, according to local transport officials. The reduction was tied to a hefty increase in tolls took effect October 1, aimed at discouraging driving.
Numbers collected from toll plazas in Oslo and suburban Bærum between 6:30 and 9am on Monday were compared to those on Monday September 25, before the new high tolls were imposed and before schools closed for last week’s autumn holidays. State broadcaster NRK reported that while the number of vehicles fueled by gasoline and diesel declined, the numbers of electric vehicles passing through the toll plazas rose from 16 to 18 percent. They’re exempt from all tolls, while diesel-fueled vehicles, for example, now face tolls of NOK 59 (USD 7.50) during the commuter rush hour.
Public transport service in Oslo, meanwhile, was expanded on Sunday, with two cross-town bus lines now operating around the clock during weekends. Others are operating more frequently while tram service will run at least every 15 minutes until 9pm, every day of the week.
newsinenglish.no staff
