Environmental effects of a kilometre charge in road transport: an investigation for the Netherlands

Abstract

This study discusses the potential environmental effects of a kilometre charge for car traffic in the Netherlands. This kilometre charge would replace the existing taxes on new cars and on car ownership. It would lead to a substantial increase in the variable costs of car use. It may lead to a doubling of these costs while at the same time the average costs of car use would not increase because the fixed taxes are strongly reduced. Four alternatives for the kilometre charge are formulated. These are estimated to lead to substantial reductions of energy and certain emissions.