Local authorities in nearly all Dutch provinces have been levying excessive car taxes, according to a report in newspaper AD. Based on its own calculations, AD estimates that provinces thus raised one billion euros in surcharges.

This means that between 1998 and 2007 the owner of an average family car paid 225 euros more in taxes than required. For SUVs, the excess amount can be as high as 600 euros. Angry car owners, the Dutch motoring association ANWB and a majority of MPs want the provinces to reimburse the excess car taxes.

Currently, each province is allowed to determine the surcharge rate it imposes on top of state road taxes, up to a maximum of 100 percent. Surcharges therefore vary from one province to another.

Photo from RNW