The people I have heard from have said that they absolutely do not like the idea, which smacks of big brother, of the state being able to track where they drive, said Peters. Collecting a tax from people based on the number of miles they drive is also ludicrous given that we already collect a gas tax from people every time they fill up their cars. Peters amended the budget for the Michigan Department of Transportation to prevent the state from contributing any more money to odometer tax studies. Opponents argue that an odometer tax would be an unacceptable invasion of privacy. The miles a person drives would be tracked by a satellite gathering that information from special panels placed in cars.
Opponents also argue that the state already collects enough money from motorists via the gas tax.
The gas tax was raised by 4 cents back in 1997. I am glad to have the support of my colleagues to stop this idea of an odometer tax before it goes much further, said Peters. Michigan drivers will know by our action today that we have heard their concerns and we will not support an odometer tax. The transportation budget will next be considered in a House committee.