dagblog - Comments for "The Clear Case for the Gas Tax"

I get ADAC magazine here in

Beetlejuice — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:35:25 +0000

In reply to Diesel exhaust contains more

I get ADAC magazine here in Germany and a few issues back, there was an article that I guessed my way thru it that was discussing a speed trap method where they put the sensors in the road. That way they would be able to track a speeder weaving their way thru traffic. And at specific points there would be an array of cameras that would get both front and back pictures of the vehicle in whatever lane they happen to be in. By recording the vehicles path and speed registered between sensors, it's effectiveness would be to relieve the polizei from monitoring traffic at checkpoints where they know excessive speed is rampant. You just get a package in the mail complete with pictures, dated and time stamped and a map showing the section of highway where you exceeded the posted speed limits an the fines. By the way, German justice is notorious for tacking on multiple fines for each infraction of the law, especially if you continue to speed after passing multiple speed limit signs.

Diesel exhaust contains more

Donal — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:17:35 +0000

In reply to While diesel engines are much

Diesel exhaust contains more carbon, more ultrafine particulates and used to contain more sulfur. I think we'll see a lot of fees and tolls for driving, with red-light and speed-monitoring cameras to boot.

While diesel engines are much

Beetlejuice — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:45:21 +0000

In reply to This morning, WBAL TV ran the

While diesel engines are much better with MPG ratings, I remember being told along time ago they produced more pollutants that a gasoline engine ... ever notice that black smoke coming out of the tailpipe?

Anyway, the gas tax means everyone on the road is paying their fair share for road maintenance, equally. Without the tax, then cities, counties, states and the federal government will have to develop new revenue resources ... or ... sell off all the roads to private business interests who will take over road maintenance activities, but at a cost to motorists. Keep in mind, their toll fees will not only consist of the costs for materials, equipment, labor and administrative costs, it will also include their profit. Just think ... an exponential growth rate of 7% annually, means you can expect the cost to double every ten years.

The article stated gas tax has not increased since 1993. So it would be foolish to let the roads and highways fall into disrepair to service a no new tax pledge because where a tax isn't levied to support a function a toll must be administered which will include a profit margin for providing the service. In other words, we'll all end up paying more out-of-pocket for access to the roads and highways because some people think the tax at the pump is too costly .which it's not.

This morning, WBAL TV ran the

Donal — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:13:03 +0000

In reply to The Clear Case for the Gas Tax

This morning, WBAL TV ran the question: What's your opinion of a proposal that would tax drivers by the mileage they travel, instead of tacking it on to the price at the pump?

One answer:

What a great plan! Provide a dis-incentive to drive a fuel efficient car, increase our dependence on foreign oil, and create a mileage cheating industry in dashboard add-ons so long distance drivers can report short distance mileage to the tax authority. What a monumentally stupid way to falsely lower prices at the pump for political gain. Disclaimer: I drive a 45 mpg diesel. -- Tim R. /Owings Mills