Govt decides to double toll tax on motorways

The federal government is considering collecting a double toll tax on motorways used by single-driver cars to mitigate the energy crisis and the impact of higher fuel prices.

It is also mulling over a plan under which vehicles may ply roads on alternative days based on odd and even number plates.

At a recent meeting, the cabinet decided that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would constitute a committee to discuss proposals for energy conservation.

Under the proposed plan, provincial governments would be asked to issue a notification mandating biannual tuning and inspection of motor vehicles.

The working group tasked with creating proposals for energy conservation measures has come up with a few ideas, including making Sunday a vehicle-free day in big cities and implementing a daylight saving program.

The committee will also consider other proposals like lowering the speed limit on motorways/ highways and doubling the toll tax on motorways for single-driver cars.

The task force recommended working with provincial and municipal authorities to switch off public lights, and closing commercial markets and marriage halls early. It proposed 33% reduction in petrol and diesel quota for government officials.

However, it exempted cafes, restaurants, and pharmacies. It also proposed making Sunday a vehicle-free day in big cities, daylight savings by moving the clock ahead, and lowering speed limits on motorways/ highways.

Finally, it recommended implementing a double toll tax on motorways for single-driver cars and said that vehicles should be allowed to run on roads on alternative days (on odd and even number basis).

The cabinet considered a summary titled “Energy conservation measures”, submitted by the Power Division, and approved the proposal of a five-day work week for the conservation of energy.

It reduced the fuel quota for government officials by 40% and agreed on switching off alternative street/ public lights and behavioral changes for energy efficiency and conservation.