Q: With all of the skepticism and mistrust of government, it would seem prudent and responsible to explain why the new 12 cents a gallon gas tax is necessary. I am willing to pay what it costs to have safe highways that are smooth, safe and comfortable to ride on. Please just tell me what it costs and spend the money where you say you’re going to spend it.

David Trish

A: Why you ask? Here’s why: There is a backlog of $132 billion in needed road repairs, $59 billion for state highways; and $73 billion for local streets and roads. Bad roads cost California drivers an additional $762 per year in vehicle maintenance costs from driving on crumbling roads.

Also, in addition to the 12-cent gasoline increase and the 20-cent diesel increase, there’s a 4 percent diesel sales tax increase. This equals to about another 12 cents.

California drivers are now paying about 74 cents for gas and over $1 per gallon for diesel when all federal and state taxes are included — the Cap Trade Greenhouse taxes is about 12 cents for gas and 15 cents for diesel. And the Low Carbon Fuel taxes add about 5 cents for gas and diesel.

Q: When I first compared paying the new fuel tax of 12 cents a gallon to the annual $100 fee for the electric group, it seemed about an equal increase. However, the electric “elite” are not paying a dime until 2020.

So, the gas eaters are paying for over two years before electrics pay anything. Begs the question: Why the delay?

Dick Engfer

San Jose

A: I agree. The fee hike for electric vehicles should have started earlier.

Q: Will the new gas tax cover maintenance on the highways? I have reported many major signs broken on highways 101 and 237 and they don’t get fixed. Some you can’t read because of vegetation blocking them. And the sides of the roads are very dirty with trash and 8-foot tall weeds.

Alfred Hill

A: The higher taxes will help pay for paving and perhaps new reflective signs, but it’s unclear if litter removal will be a part of the program.

Like Mr. Roadshow’s Facebook page for more questions and answers about Bay Area roads, freeways and commuting.

Q: The gas tax was supposed to go into effect Wednesday, but some stations in Concord raised their prices a day earlier. Is there any penalty for a station that jumps the gun?

Phil A.

Concord

A: No.

Q: I am in favor of the higher gas tax and say it’s about time they got the guts to do this. People want the roads fixed but do want to pay for them. I am contacting legislators to fight any attempt at a repeal.

Russ Van Dyne

San Jose

A: Go for it, Russ!

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.