Skatteudvalget 2011-12
SAU Alm.del Bilag 39
Offentligt
Why were the plans to introduceroad pricing in the Netherlandscancelled?
Interview withL.H.M. Osterholt M. Sc.Secretary to the Dutch Platform “Payingdifferently for the use of the road”.
Background•In May 2004, the Minister of Transport in theNetherlands asked mr. Paul Nouwen, theformer president of the Dutch ANWB, whichcorresponds to the Danish FDM (ForenedeDanske Motorejere), to help the minister tomake a plan in which all the Dutchorganisations in regard to car traffic wereinvolved.
The scheme•The system was to be based on paying per kilometretravelled on all Dutch roads by every motor vehicle•Prices were to vary according to time, place andenvironmental factors.•The level of charges has not yet been determined.•The Parliament had decreed that no more than 5% ofsystem revenues could go toward its operation.
The way forward•The Government position on “Paying differentfor the use of the road,” (expressed in theletter of 30 November 2007 to the DutchHouse of Representatives) was that anirreversible step would be taken within thegovernment period towards achieving a RoadPricing System.
Government collaps•But…..then the government collapsed and wein the Netherlands had new elections. (2010).
The election + new government•In the election, the subject of “Paying differentfor the use of the road” was a key issue.•Two parties, who were against the new system,the Dutch Liberal Party (VVD) and a right wingparty called the PVV, together with theChristian democrat party (CDA) were able toform the new government and immediatelyclosed down all the preparations for theintroduction of “Paying different for the use ofthe road”.
Technological challenges?•To what extent did technological challengesinfluence the decision to cancel the plans tointroduce road pricing in the Netherlands, youcould ask?•In my opinion this influence was very little.
