I have heard about a proposal to charge drivers of high gas mileage cars a fee that would go toward road repair. This would be a way of raising money when they are paying less in gas taxes.
Unless there is a variation related to miles driven, that could result in gross inequities. For example, if a Prius driver travels 30,000 per year and a retired Prius owner drives 3,000 miles per year are charged the same flat fee, it should be instantly clear that that formula is not fair. But some people might object to the state collecting data on miles traveled by drivers, and how would that be verified?
As a society, we should be promoting and thanking those who use less gasoline. We would all breathe cleaner air.
If we need more money for road repair, and want to raise it just from user fees, then let’s raise the gas tax per gallon.
ROBERT B. WILLIAMS Jr.
Chichester