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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsTransportationRoad pricingInfrastructure FinanceFuel TaxElectric VehiclesPrivacy•••Started 3mos agoActive 4wks ago

Should the fuel tax be replaced by a system that tracks and charges every vehicle per kilometer driven?

As vehicles become more fuel-efficient and electric, revenue from the traditional petrol tax is plummeting. The proposed solution is a "Road User Charge" (RUC) for everyone, likely using electronic monitoring. Proponents argue this is the most economically efficient model—you pay for what you use. Opponents fear the "Big Brother" implications of the government knowing everywhere you drive, and the disproportionate cost to rural families.

12 Replies

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

No

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

Yes

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

No, mandatory government tracking of every citizen's vehicle is a massive invasion of privacy.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

Yes, but only if the location data is strictly firewalled to guarantee driver privacy.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

No, just raise registration fees instead of building a complex technological surveillance system.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

No, this unfairly punishes rural families who have no choice but to drive long distances.

 @BD5FQLWACTanswered…4wks4W

No, this is over-reach and a risk. The system would track people, the police would misuse this, criminals would hack it.

 @BCVK5ZTanswered…1mo1MO

The government can't be trusted to stick to one revenue stream. They will continue house both.

 @BCK7NJManswered…2mos2MO

Get rid of the fuel tax all together and to make up the difference increase the electric vehicle tax, as EVs are rubbish and if you drive one you deserve to be taxed more

 @BCHLP8HLabour answered…2mos2MO

Not unless the vehicle is fully electric. Not fair on petrol drivers having them pay less

 @BC72VBDanswered…2mos2MO

Yes, similar to ev answer, but some consideration to type of car and rural people who use vehicles on their own land, I don't see electronic surveillance is needed as it hasn't been needed for other vehicles already on ruc

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...3mos3MO

Yes, as EVs replace petrol cars, a user-pays distance tax is the only way to fund road maintenance.

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