MA wants to monitor and tax mileage

MASSACHUSETTS (WPRI) - A new idea proposed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is being called “Orwellian” by opponents. Patrick wants to use GPS chips in vehicles to charge people for the miles they drive.

The plan is called a “Vehicle Miles Traveled” program and would replace the gas tax by 2014. Opponents have concerns that “Big Brother” will be watching, but there have been positive results in Oregon, where there is a similar program.

The governor of Idaho and even Governor Carcieri are considering this type of program. They believe that as cars become more fuel efficient, gas tax revenues will drop. They argue that charging drivers for the miles they drive is a fair way to tax people who drive on the state's roads.

Still, many can’t embrace the “Big Brother” aspect of the program, even though the GPS apparently will not track vehicles in “real time”.