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Netherlands to charge drivers by the kilometer

Posted Nov 20th, 2009 at 2:31 PM and seen
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The Netherlands is proposing charging drivers by the kilometer. Other taxes would be eliminated. Vehicles would be tracked by GPS.

Doesn’t this make sense? Get rid of all the other taxes and tolls and simply pay-as-you-go. Or is it even simpler to use only the fuel tax to pay for roads? Think any of this could ever happen in the U.S.?

Netherlanders are very practical people.

 Will Mayall

Comments (4)

Nov 20, 2009
Frank Pitsikalis said...
Most would call them Dutch...gives new meaning to "going Dutch".
Nov 20, 2009
Elliott @ Austin on Two Wheels said...
I think charging by fuel makes more sense as it incentivizes fuel efficiency. We just don't charge enough.
Nov 21, 2009
unlimitedvision said...
Could work out if the company you work for actively supports working from home or there are cost efficient public transit systems in range. However, if transit time increases 1.5 hours / day, that's 1.5 hours less to spend with kids which negatively impacts quality of life.
Nov 21, 2009
Don Halley said...
Could it happen in the U.S.? Depends on implementation. Americans are not about to let the government track their comings and goings via GPS. Besides, the odometer already tracks distance. Another aspect would be add a tax multiplier by curb weight, which indicates potential roadway wear and tear, not just distance traveled. Better yet, a flat tax that replaces ALL other taxes. Simple, easy, and (pretty) fair, and eliminating the need for most of the IRS.

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