PAY-BY-THE-MILE TAXES?

Written by: Bob Metcalfe

I'll admit it. This one scares me. The Dutch government, who is a fairly progressive bunch of folks, has attempting to introduce a law that will, by 2012, impose a per-mile tax on vehicles in that country. They suggest that this would cut emissions by 10 percent, and halve congestion.

Here's the breakdown of price:

Standard car: 7 cents per mile.
Standard car in 2018: 16 cents per mile.
Exempt vehicles: Taxis, transport for disabled, motorcycles, classic cars.

Foreign vehicles will also see an added charge.

Now it's not a "horrific" charge if you do the math. At 7 cents per mile, every 10,000 miles will cost you $700 dollars. Now here's the "trade off": Ownership and sales tax will be scrapped on vehicles.

But it really isn't about the money. How will they keep track? By installing a GPS unit on all vehicles, then a collection agency will send out the bills. It's not that I have anything to hide, but I'm not sure if I want a government-run GPS under me at all times.

Thoughts, comments? Leave 'em here!