Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMercenary
A few European countries have or will be implementing a tax per vehicle based on the number of miles driven. It is called an eco-tax or green-tax. The distance will be measured electronically through a GPS device in the car. The plan suggests that such tax will reduce traffic congestion and will encourage people to either take public transportation or do carpooling. The Netherlands adopted it and are trying it out. The UK and Belgium have similar proposals ready. What do you all think about this new idea of "Green Taxes"?
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Comparing driving solutions in Europe and the US is comparing apples to oranges and most "European solutions" will fail miserably in the United States. It is technically possible to live without a car in big US cities but it is extremely difficult and hindering. It would be a complete impossibility for anyone living in the suburbs or rural areas.
If this tax was used in unison with many other initiatives to reduce driving, I might be more supportive but I am extremely skeptical of any single solution that will help against the number of miles people have to drive. Honestly, to really lower the amount of driving miles in the US, the complete re setup of our city and suburban infrastructure will probably be needed. People need to work, school, and shop close to where they live to really lower the amount of driving. This solution is obviously idealistic, but anything else will just fail and hurt millions of rural, suburban, and other Americans in the process.
The more I think about it, the more fuel efficient cars need to be rationally pushed. Driving miles can be reduced, but not by much. Fuel efficiency can be changed though.