STOCKHOLM has become the third European capital city to introduce congestion charging.

The seven-month trial will result in a referendum about the introduction of a permanent road toll system, similar to ones operating in London and Oslo.

Drivers are being charged SKr10-SKr20 (70p to £1.40) to enter the city between 6.30am and 6.30pm on weekdays. The test period will finish at the end of July, six weeks before the public referendum which is being held at the same time as Sweden’s parliamentary election.

The aim of the scheme is to reduce traffic by 10% to 15% on busy roads, increase the average speed and reduce harmful emissions.