The Dutch Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Water Management has committed to developing a road pricing system in the Netherlands in order to improve traffic flows and protect the environment. Large-scale practical tests of the road pricing system are due to begin in 2010.

Under the proposed system, motorists will pay per kilometer driven, with the price depending on when and where the vehicle is driven and how much pollution it creates. 

Camiel Eurlings, the Dutch Minister of Public Works, Transport and Water Management says road pricing will eventually replace the motor vehicle tax (MRB) and purchase tax (BPM).

Eurlings says his department will work with businesses to develop certification requirements and a framework for the road pricing system to ensure a solid business case is created for its implementation. 

Vehicle owners will be able to choose the service provider from which they obtain road pricing services, which would be a pioneering concept implementation.

Tendering for the trials of the road pricing system are likely to take place by means of a ‘competitive dialogue’ involving a number of selected participants.

 

Source: Traffic technology international