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The idea that roads and related infrastructure is paid entirely or even largely from taxes on road users is a huge myth that persists in a large number of weste
by giobox 9y ago
The idea that roads and related infrastructure is paid entirely or even largely from taxes on road users is a huge myth that persists in a large number of western nations. In most of them, car owners merely contribute to the cost of roads via the taxes you mention, the bulk of the monies to pay road related costs still comes from other sources unrelated to roads or cars at all. Last I read on the subject, in the USA the breakdown was supposedly closer to 50% road related taxes, 50% general taxation paying for roads. I'm not that bothered personally, but I can absolutely understand why this might bother some - car owners are effectively subsidized by all tax payers to a large extent.
- csomar 9y agoIn that case, I might agree with you. But the parent poster was not complaining about that. You should also be aware that roads are being used for transportation (public or of goods); which practically most people use (though this might mean just direct taxation of these means).
- sib 9y agoWhile this is true, in most cases, public transportation is funded at an even lower rate by fares / fees and more by general taxes.