Dutch propose full-scale road pricing system

The Netherlands pledged on the 13 November 2009 to scrap all road and vehicle taxes and replace them with charges based on the distance driven.

It is the first sizeable economy to pursue such a scheme, which may become a model for other countries.

Transport economists almost universally support some form of direct charging for road use because it can give price signals to motorists to avoid the most congested roads at the busiest times.

Groups in Germany came out both in favour and in opposition to the principle of the Dutch proposal.

Deutsche Welle, 14.11.09: Dutch approve per-kilometer tax for drivers http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4893141,00.html

The Netherlands: Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management: Topics: Mobility and accessibility: Roadpricing http://english.verkeerenwaterstaat.nl/english/

Deutsche Welle, 16.11.09: Dutch road tax inflames debate in neighboring Germany http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4896686,00.html

The Netherlands: Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management:: Press Release, 14.11.09: Kilometre charge: Most people will end up paying less http://www.verkeerenwaterstaat.nl/english/news/newsitems/kilometrechargemostpeoplewillenduppayingless.aspx

NRC Handelsblad, 16.11.09: Dutch drivers to pay tax on road time, not on car http://www.nrc.nl/international/article2414875.ece/Dutch_drivers_to_pay_tax_on_road_time%2C_not_on_car

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