Cabinet plans to introduce a tax on kilometres driven in the Netherlands have been delayed again and will not come into effect for road freight until October 2014 at the earliest, the Volkskrant reports on Wednesday.

Two years ago, transport minister Camiel Eurlings said he wanted to introduce the kilometre tax in 2011. Under the latest planning, private motorists will have to pay the tax from 2016.
This latest five month delay is due to legal procedures during the tendering process and extra time for dialogue, the paper says.
‘Yet another delay. I will wear my best suit to the kilometre tax’s funeral,’ said Liberal (VVD) MP Charlie Aptroot, who is strongly opposed to the project.
But Labour (PvdA) MP Lia Roefs said not too much reliance should be placed on the planning. ‘Concrete steps are being taken. We are putting projects out to tender and in two weeks’ time we will know what the charges are,’ she pointed out.
Legislation needed to introduce road pricing has not yet been approved by either house of parliament although ministers are pressing ahead with the tendering process, the Volkskrant points out.