The city is weighing two proposals: a “Budapest vignette”, which is good for the whole capital and for which drivers would pay an annual HUF 5,000, and a two-tier tariff system for the center of the city and for outer boroughs, Tarlós said.

The vignette would generate annual revenue of HUF 2.0 bln-2.5 bln if all drivers are required to purchase it but HUF 700 mln-800 mln if only non-residents are, he added. The mayor asked for patience when queried on the timeframe for introducing the charge.

The city must introduce the congestion charge as a condition for European Union support for the recently inaugurated number four metro line.