FDOT proposal worries drivers

By Kelli Stegeman

CREATED Dec. 11, 2012

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  • FDOT proposal worries drivers Video by fox4now.com

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LEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Florida Department of Transportation says something has to be done about dwindling funds to fix Florida roads. One idea on the table isn't revving too many engines

 
"About 65% of our business here is delivery," said Donathony's Pizza owner Anthony Scalzullo.
 
In the pizza shop it's not only dough that's rising, but, frustration as well. 
 
"You're asking us to drive fuel efficient cars and try not to drive as much and then you're hurting us by taxing us on something else. So, you really never win on this deal."
 
Scalzullo is talking about an idea presented to the Florida Senate Transporatation Committee by Forida's Transportation Secretary. The plan would tax people in Florida based on the miles they drive. 
 
"The use their own cars, their own gas, and it's their mileage," said Scalzullo, talking about his delivery drivers. "So, of course the middle class guy trying to raise a few extra dollars to help his family is going to get hit with a tax again."
 
As more people are switching to fuel efficient cars and carpooling, revenue drops from the state's gas tax,which funds road projects.
 
Debbie Tower with FDOT says don't put your foot on the accelerator just yet. The revenue boosting idea is just that, an idea. 
 
"It's just now beginning and I'm sure its just discussion that will occur the next several years," she said.
 
"I think it has a lot of logistical hurdles," said Florida Representative Matt Caldwell. "I'd rather see us come up with a less invasive way to fund our road system."
 
Caldwell wonders how its going to affect consumers privacy on where they travel. 
 
"Moving to basically tolls for the existing free roadways, that's a pretty big leap and combining that with the privacy issues, we've got a lot to talk about," he said.
 
But, some people like Scalzullo don't need time to talk it over.. 
 
"Don't keep taxing the people," said Scalzullo. "We can't afford that."
 
Scalzullo says if costs go up for delivery drivers, that increase will be passed on to the consumer. 
 
The idea is if lawmakers decide to tax mileage, more than likely the gas tax would go away and you wouldn't be spending as much money on gas.