During 1979 the Joint Subcommittee was unable to obtain a clear understanding either of just what Virginia's highway needs are, or of what amount of revenues - however those might be divided - would be needed to attempt to satisfy those needs. The reemergence of a not insignificant shortage of gasoline has altered the driving habits not only of Virginians, but of others passing through the Commonwealth as well. It yet remains to be seen how much of this alteration will prove to be long-enduring, and how much of it merely transitory. Uncertainty of oil supplies, with their resultant disturbance of driving patterns have upset traffic projections and revenue collections. Continued reduction in motor vehicle use - particularly private automobile use - will probably require the Department of Highways and Transportation to reconsider its estimates of the Commonwealth's highway needs.

The Joint Subcommittee feels it would be unwise, given these uncertainties, to make any recommendations at the present either (1) for altering the amount or structure of motor fuel taxes, or (2) for altering the various formulas under which highway fund revenues are apportioned to construction and maintenance of Virginia's road systems. Further, General Assembly review of highway fund taxes and their allocation may be more profitable at a time when availability and price of gasoline, and driving habits, have once again become more stable.