Netherlands to Levy 'Green' Road Tax by the Kilometre

The Dutch government said Friday it wants to introduce a "green" road tax by the kilometre from 2012 aimed at cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent and halving congestion.

"Each vehicle will be equipped with a GPS device that tracks how many kilometres are driven and when and where. This data will be then be sent to a collection agency that will send out the bill," the transport ministry said in a statement.'

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'Super-Councils' Given Power to Impose Road Taxes

Congestion charges and workplace parking fees could be imposed by unelected quangos under proposed laws.

The small print of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, gives sweeping power to new organisations to control transport policy, including the power to levy taxes, the Conservatives said last night.

They have accused the Government of trying to impose road pricing "via the back door".

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The Government will stop at nothing to get your money and impose the surveillance state it so desperately wants.

'Spy-in-Sky' Trials Get the Go-Ahead

Ministers are pressing ahead with a £10million trial of 'spy-in-the-sky' road-pricing technology despite widespread public opposition.
Test runs will start soon in seven locations for the scheme which could result in charges of up to £1.30 a mile on the most congested roads.
Volunteer drivers will have units fitted to their cars, which will be tracked by satellite and will automatically deduct payments from a test account.

The trials are proceeding despite previous statements from the Government suggesting that it had abandoned the idea of national road pricing.

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