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The Governments proposed road reforms will lead to an increase
of between 5 and 13 cents per litre for most motorists according
to an independent economic analysis. According to the report
commissioned by Christchurch City Council these increases will
cancel out any decrease in the rates.
Other than the fact that our current petrol taxes would more than
pay for the cost of the roads if the Government would only stop dipping its
hands into the bucket, petrol tax funding for roads is inherently unfair on motorcyclists as it
assumes that the amount of damage you do to the roads is proportional to the amount of petrol you
consume.
Of course, the petrol-tax funded roading companies are preferable to what was originaly proposed. Initially
(wannabe) computer geek Maurice Williamson wanted tolls-based revenue systems with the tolls being calculated through
in-car satellite responders with in-built GPS. Other than being largely unfeasible, these little babies would have
cost in excess of $1000 each. But then they would\'ve allowed the Government to locate any vehicle anywhere in NZ. Think of the
benefits to the law enforcement authorities.
In light of what has happened recently with other monopolies
(electricity and Telecom) I find it incredibly stupid that the
Government would consider still more profit oriented monopolies - Maurice
Williamson and idealogy win over common sense once again.
