San Francisco could start charging tourists £8 to drive down iconic Lombard Street

A toll is being mulled

Lombard Street has become a major tourist attraction (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Visitors to San Francisco could soon be charged up to $10 (£8) to drive down the city’s famous Lombard Street.

The move is to reduce congestion on the road, which winds its way down a steep, verdant hill via eight hairpin bends. It has become a huge tourist attraction.

City officials have proposed a bill that would give San Francisco the authority to introduce a toll and reservation system for the road, reports AP.

“We must implement a system that enables both residents and visitors to enjoy the ‘Crookedest Street in the World’” said Phil Ting, a San Francisco Democrat who put forward the legislation.

More than two million visitors descend upon the curved street each year, with up to 6,000 tourists a day in the peak summer period. The road features in several films – including 1968 picture The Love Bug, part of the Herbie franchise – which has only served to increase its popularity.

The idea of restricting or charging for access is not new – in 2016, then-Supervisor Mark Farrell proposed imposing a reservation system and a toll on the street. At the time, the board voted in favour of further study instead.

San Francisco transportation officials have suggested several options, including an online reservation system costing $5 (£4) per vehicle on weekdays, with charges rising to $10 (£8) on weekends and holidays.

The toll isn’t likely to come into effect until 2020 and would launch as a pilot programme.

Supervisor Catherine Stefani, whose district includes Lombard Street, said the charge would pay for more traffic control officers, local police patrols and tourism ambassadors.

Local residents have welcomed the idea.

Greg Brundage, president of the Lombard Hill Improvement Association and resident for 22 years, said: “This is a pilot program but we’re really excited this day has come.”

He added: “The cars really impact the neighbourhood because they line up, they back up, they are sitting idling.”