Netherlands considering new tolling system

June 28, 2019 Read time: 1 min

The Netherlands is evaluating new options for road tolling across the country’s network. A national road pricing scheme could be introduced from 2026, which would see road users being charged by the distance they travel. There is widespread recognition that the existing method, of using fuel taxation to pay for road works, is unsustainable as the EV fleet grows. Three options are being analysed. One would see drivers of electric vehicles being charged/km, while internal combustion engine vehicles would continue using the present method with taxes on fuel. Another option would see all vehicle users being charged rates relating to the time and location where they are driving. The other option would see all vehicle owners being charged for travelling at peak periods. The aim of the new system is to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030.

Highway & Network Management

Future funding crisis looms?

From the UK’s Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) comes data revealing a future funding crisis many governments will face. The IFS study, commissioned by the RAC Foundation, shows that income from motoring taxation will fall as traffic volumes increase. The problem is that increasing fuel efficiency of new generation vehicles, plus the introduction of electric cars, will deliver smaller and smaller returns on fuel taxation. Although fuel is taxed heavily in the UK, and right across Europe, projections show t