On Friday, December 18, the Workers Party of Belgium (PTB/PVDA) denounced the kilometer tax proposed by the Brussels government in the first week of December. The tax is meant to reduce traffic and pollution but the party has pointed out that the workers will bear the brunt. On Thursday, PTB activists organized campaigns at five entrance points to Brussels against the tax.
According to the proposal by the Brussels regional government, the distance traveled by drivers and the power of the engine will be key factors determining this tax as opposed to owning a vehicle. The main objective of the proposal is supposedly to reduce car use in Brussels by 25% by 2030, as well as to reduce pollution. The proposal has been sent to the federal and regional governments for consultations.
Citing the impact study by the Brussels government, PTB pointed out that the kilometer tax would only lead to a limited decrease in the number of vehicle-kilometers during the week, that too corresponding to a small portion of users who actually have the possibility of adapting their mobility. “But a large majority of commuters will simply see their bills increase”, added the PTB.
Raoul Hedebouw from Workers Party of Belgium (PTB/PVDA) stated that “studies show that people who drive in Brussels come mainly from peripheral areas that are poorly served by public transport. Taxing is not going to solve anything. On the contrary, it will exacerbate the difficulties that many workers affected by the crisis are already experiencing.”
The PTB instead has four proposals: a major investment plan plan for the railways, synchronizing the four public transport companies in Brussels, collective solutions for school transport, and the introduction of new rapid bus and tram lines to the outskirts of Brussels.
The PTB has also launched an online petition demanding the withdrawal of the kilometer tax. The groups of municipal councilors of the PTB will table motions in the municipalities against the kilometer tax and demanding efficient public transport.
