Autonkäyttömaksu

Autonkäyttömaksu, often translated as vehicle usage fee or road usage charge, is a potential or debated system of taxing vehicle use based on how much and where a vehicle is driven. Unlike traditional vehicle taxes that are often based on ownership, emissions, or engine size, autonkäyttömaksu would aim to link the cost of road infrastructure and maintenance more directly to actual usage.

The concept is typically discussed as a way to address declining fuel tax revenues as vehicles become more fuel-efficient or transition to electric power. It is also seen as a tool to manage traffic congestion and encourage more sustainable transportation choices. Potential mechanisms for implementing such a charge include per-mile pricing, time-of-day surcharges, or location-based fees in congested areas.

Proponents argue that it could create a fairer system where those who use roads more pay more, and it could provide a stable funding source for infrastructure projects. Critics often raise concerns about privacy related to tracking vehicle movements, the complexity of implementation and administration, and the potential for disproportionate impacts on rural residents or those with limited transportation alternatives. The feasibility and desirability of autonkäyttömaksu are subjects of ongoing discussion and research in many countries.