The introduction of a kilometre tax for lorries in 2011 and for car drivers in 2012 might be delayed, transport minister Camiel Eurlings told MPs on Wednesday evening. Technical problems and privacy considerations are among the problems the project faces.

‘We are not going to bring in any kamikaze planning,’ Eurlings is reported as saying in Wednesday evening’s parliamentary debate on the new tax. ‘Caution comes before speed,’ he added.
The minister also said that the purchase tax on new cars – currently 42.3% – might not be phased out altogether. The tax, known as the bpm, was to be replaced by the kilometre tax.
But Eurlings said scrapping the bpm tax must be balanced against the consequences of such a move on government income and the environment. The tax raised €3.4bn in 2007 and is set to genertae €3.6bn in for the treasury this year.
The Volkskrant said that finance ministry officials are concerned about the loss of such a lucrative source of income. Eurlings hinted that a tax of between 10% and 15% could remain for ‘environmental targets’, the paper said.
Opposition Liberal (VVD) MPs, who oppose the kilometre tax, said the minister was untrustworthy. ‘Soon we will spend more time in traffic jams for more money,’ VVD MP Paul de Krom said.