Setting up toll roads on some of Iowa’s more popular four-lane highways would be an excellent way to tax those who use government road services the most.

In the face of massive federal cutbacks, the state finds itself scrambling to find funds for highways previously supported with federal dollars.

Some high-ranking transportation officials say installing toll roads is the only way, and indeed the best way, to maintain services.

They may be right.

Often government programs target the many in support of the few who actually benefit form a state or federal service.

But toll roads present government officials with a unique opportunity to tax just those who use the services. It’s fair. It’s relatively cheap to initiate. And it’s proven to work in other states.

Unfortunately for Iowans, Gov. Branstad is opposed to setting up toll booths on Iowa roads, though that position may prove impractical to maintain.

Perhaps the governor is worried that the driver of his pig-smell proof limo won’t be able to find a couple of quarters beneath the seats. Not to worry.

Some states now have methods of electronic payment. You can fly through the toll booth right after a toll-taker zaps a little permit with a grocery-store-like scanner.

And if push comes to shove, and if the governor asked real nicely, the toll-taker would probably let him pass.