The Kanagawa Prefectural Government is seeking support from nine other prefectures in an attempt to secure an increase in the amount of vehicle tax they collect, officials of the prefecture said Tuesday.
The prefectural governments of Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi, Saitama, Chiba, Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Hyogo and Fukuoka -- all of whom face financial difficulties -- have been approached by Kanagawa officials but have yet to respond.
"It is desirable to effect (an increase) broadly to secure funds to fight vehicle pollution," one of the officials said. "We will also explain to other prefectures what Kanagawa is doing (in this regard)."
In front of the prefectural assembly in July, the Kanagawa Prefectural Government submitted a plan for a 20 percent hike in taxes imposed on vehicle owners and used mostly to improve roads and related services.