Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Vehicle taxes in China are currently charged on an annual basis, with the amount varying
by type of vehicle.Vehicle consumption tax is also charged based on engine size, with
higher taxes for large-engine vehicles. Scenario 4 assumes vehicle taxation is differentiated
by vehicle type, with the high-emission vehicles having a higher level of taxation. The
level of taxation is high, relative to income levels, at around US$1,000 per annum.
Fuel is taxed at a higher level than at present under Scenario 4, similar to European levels
(e.g. the UK and the Netherlands), and this is important alongside vehicle taxation in
contributing to the variable costs of car travel, hence influencing distance travelled. The
current levels of vehicle taxation in China are at 99 US cents/litre, above the US (56
cents/litre), but below the higher taxation countries such as the UK (144 cents/litre) and
the Netherlands (163 cents/litre). In comparison, the base price for oil at $48 dollars/barrel
is 30 cents/litre (GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technischer Zusammenarbeit, 2008).
Road pricing on an area-wide basis is also assumed within Scenario 4, covering the built
up area of Jinan, and charged on a distance and emissions basis (again according to vehicle
type). The revenue raised is 'hypothecated' into public transport, walking and cycling
facilities, and public realm improvements. This reflects the experience in London, Singapore
and elsewhere, but is carried out on a wider basis and different specification. A cordon-
based congestion charge might prove to be a useful first step towards an area-wide scheme.
The Jinan municipal government is seeking to increase and charge parking differentially
based on location, such as at the airport, train and bus stations, tourist facilities, the city centre,
and those areas with serious traffic congestion, with the intention of increasing costs from the
current 2 yuan/hour to 8 yuan/hour. Free or low fees can be charged for electric vehicles in
order to promote their use in Jinan. These types of measures could be adopted as part of a
wider TDM strategy and implementation.
Figure 6.31 2046 , 2004, directed by Wong Kar-wai. A huge rail network connects the planet, but the world
is a vast dystopia; lonely souls try to reach a mysterious place called 2046. In the world of 2046
nothing ever changes, so there is never loss or sadness. No-one has ever returned from
2046 except the protagonist: as the story begins, Tak is on a long train ride returning from 2046:
'Whenever someone asked why I left 2046, I always gave them some vague answer. It was
easier.'
Source : British Film Institute Stills Collection.
 
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