NZ Trucking Association Backs Move Towards Single Road User Charges System
With the cost of roading maintenance and investment rapidly rising, the current model is no longer sustainable. The Association says a wholesale fix is needed to ensure all road users contribute fairly to the upkeep of the countrys road network.
The New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) has welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Chris Bishop to move towards a single, unified system for collecting revenue for the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF), based on Road User Charges (RUC).
'This is a common-sense and necessary shift,' says NZ Trucking Association CEO David Boyce. 'New Zealand's fuel excise model is outdated and failing to meet the needs of our transport system. As more vehicles transition to new technology, including electric and alternative fuels, fuel excise revenue continues to decline, leaving an ever-widening gap between the cost of maintaining our roads and the funds available to do so.'
With the cost of roading maintenance and investment rapidly rising, the current model is no longer sustainable. The Association says a wholesale fix is needed to ensure all road users contribute fairly to the upkeep of the country's road network.
'Road User Charges are a proven, transparent way to ensure users pay based on the actual wear and tear they place on the network. Expanding RUC to all vehicle types is the fairest and most efficient way to secure long-term, sustainable funding,' says Boyce. 'All road users benefit from safe and reliable roads; it's only right that all users contribute to the cost.'
The New Zealand Trucking Association supports the Government's direction and notes that this shift is not political, it is essential, and would need to happen regardless of which party holds power.
'Road funding isn't a party issue. It's a national issue,' says Boyce. 'The longer we delay, the worse the state of our roads will become. This is about protecting the future of our transport system.'
The Association also supports the use of digital innovation to streamline the RUC system, making it easier and more efficient for operators and private motorists alike.
The NZ Trucking Association looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Government officials and other stakeholders to support this transition and ensure the new system delivers fairness, efficiency, and sustainability for all New Zealand road users.
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