A group of researchers from the University of Sherbrooke has looked into the stagnation of revenues linked to the fuel tax and is proposing a kilometer tax to compensate and thus allow the maintenance and improvement of the road network in Quebec.
For several years, revenues linked to the fuel tax have stagnated, in particular due to the growing number of motorists who purchase electric cars and the improvement in the energy efficiency of vehicles, which results in less money to the state to maintain and improve the road network.
In a research paper published earlier this month, researchers Michaël Robert-Angers, Jean-Philippe Meloche and Luc Godbout argue that a kilometer tax is a solution that “stands out” to remedy this loss of income for the state.
“The kilometer tax appears, in theory, to be the most appropriate solution to replace the fuel tax,” it says.
The group of researchers estimates that the amount that would need to be collected in 2030 to offset fuel tax revenues and increased spending needed to improve the road network would be 8.4 cents per kilometer on average for light vehicles.
This pricing could also be modulated according to traffic on certain roads, rush hour and regions, in particular.
It could also see the light of day with a tax deduction if the number of kilometers traveled is less than a maximum.
There are several ways to collect this tax, such as using GPS sensors in cars or taking a photo of the odometer when renewing the registration for example.
Experts indicate, however, that although this type of pricing is implemented in Russia as well as in many European countries, it does not benefit from a high rate of social acceptability.
They nevertheless invite Quebec to look into the question like the Metropolitan Community of Montreal, which has already published a study on this subject.
“It would be wise for the Quebec government to begin serious reflection now on this type of pricing because the cases studied show that it takes nearly a decade of studies, pilot projects and consultations before arriving at implement it,” we argue.
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