It has been found from a study carried out that the introduction of an advanced system of kilometre charge in The Netherlands may reduce the environmental impact of traffic by 20 to 70%, depending on the kind of impact and the system variant. Also, a distinct reduction of congestion may be reached if the differentiation of the kilometre charge to place and time is strong enough. In three of the four variants considered, total consumer cost does not change and the system is a budgetary-neutral measure. The system may be fully operational within eight years and fits within the current European legislation. In order to reach the intended environmental effects, the introduction of the kilometre charge in The Netherlands needs to be combined with: the abolishment both of the single, fixed charge on the purchase price of new cars (BPM), and of the yearly fixed charge for every car owner (MRB); and with the introduction of a tax system depending on the mean measured car fuel consumption. Also, the kilometre charge should be differentiated largely according to environmental effects and traffic safety. Through all these measures, the total car kilometres diminish by 10 to 25%, but leaving total mobility growth almost the same compared to a scenario without a kilometre charge and accompanying fiscal measures. The largest disadvantage of abolishing the BPM might be a move to the purchase of heavier cars, making the mean car less environmental friendly. From some global calculations it was found that this effect will be in the order of a few percent, whenever it really does happen.
Abstract