Latest news with #RoadUser
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
NZ Trucking Association Backs Move Towards Single Road User Charges System
Press Release – NZ Trucking Association 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 'New Zealand's fuel excise model is outdated and failing to meet the needs of our transport system.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.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
NZ Trucking Association Backs Move Towards Single Road User Charges System
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.
NZ Autocar
6 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Government to replace petrol tax with electronic RUCs
Cabinet is working to transition New Zealand's 3.5 million light vehicles to paying for our roading network through electronic road user charges. This will replace the petrol tax, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. 'The abolition of petrol tax, and the move towards all vehicles (whether they be petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid) paying for roads based on distance and weight, is the biggest change to how we fund our roading network in 50 years,' Mr Bishop says. 'Right now, New Zealanders pay Fuel Excise Duty (FED, or petrol tax) of about 70c per litre of petrol every time they fill up at the pump with a petrol car. Diesel, electric, and heavy vehicles pay Road User Charges (RUC) based on distance travelled. 'This revenue is funnelled into the National Land Transport Fund which funds the building of new roads and maintaining our existing ones. 'For decades, petrol tax has acted as a rough proxy for road use, but the relationship between petrol consumption and road usage is fast breaking down. For example, petrol vehicles with better fuel economy contribute less FED per kilometre towards road maintenance, operations, and improvements. 'We are also seeing a fast uptake of fuel-efficient petrol hybrid vehicles. In 2015, there were 12,000 on our roads, while today there are over 350,000. 'As our vehicle fleet changes, so too must the way we fund our roads. It isn't fair to have Kiwis who drive less and who can't afford a fuel-efficient car paying more than people who can afford one and drive more often.' 'This is a change that simply has to happen. The government has recognised reality and is getting on with the transition. 'The Government's plan will eventually see all vehicles pay based on actual road use (including weight) regardless of fuel type. 'The transition will happen in stages, beginning with legislative and regulatory reform to modernise the current RUC system and enable private sector innovation. 'The current RUC system is outdated. It's largely paper based, means people have to constantly monitor their odometers, and requires people to buy RUC in 1000km chunks. 'We're not going to shift millions of drivers from a simple system at the pump to queues at retailers. So instead of expanding a clunky government system, we will reform the rules to allow the market to deliver innovative, user-friendly services for drivers. 'A handful of E-RUC companies already do this for about half of our heavy vehicle fleet and there are several companies, both domestic and international, with innovative technology that could make complying with RUC cheaper and easier.' Key legislative changes the Government is progressing include: 'The changes will support a more user-friendly, technology-enabled RUC system, with multiple retail options available for motorists,' Mr Bishop says. 'Eventually, paying for RUC should be like paying a power bill online, or a Netflix subscription. Simple and easy. 'I expect to pass legislation in 2026, followed by an updated Code of Practice for RUC providers. We will also engage with the market in 2026 to assess technological solutions and delivery timelines. In parallel, NZTA and Police will upgrade their systems to support enforcement in a digital environment. 'By 2027, the RUC system will be 'open for business', with third-party providers able to offer innovative payment services and a consistent approval process in place. 'At this stage, no date has been set for the full transition of the light vehicle fleet. That's a deliberate choice, as we're focused on getting the system right rather than rushing its rollout. 'This is a once-in-a-generation change. It's the right thing to do, it's the fair thing to do, and it will future proof how we fund our roads for decades to come.'
Scoop
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Next Steps On Replacing Petrol Tax With Electronic Road User Charges
Minister of Transport Cabinet has agreed to a series of important legislative changes to enable the transition of New Zealand's 3.5 million light vehicles to paying for our roading network through electronic road user charges, rather than petrol tax, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. 'The abolition of petrol tax, and the move towards all vehicles (whether they be petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid) paying for roads based on distance and weight, is the biggest change to how we fund our roading network in 50 years,' Mr Bishop says. 'Right now, New Zealanders pay Fuel Excise Duty (FED, or petrol tax) of about 70c per litre of petrol every time they fill up at the pump with a petrol car. Diesel, electric, and heavy vehicles pay Road User Charges (RUC) based on distance travelled. 'This revenue is funnelled into the National Land Transport Fund which funds the building of new roads and maintaining our existing ones. 'For decades, petrol tax has acted as a rough proxy for road use, but the relationship between petrol consumption and road usage is fast breaking down. For example, petrol vehicles with better fuel economy contribute less FED per kilometre towards road maintenance, operations, and improvements. 'We are also seeing a fast uptake of fuel-efficient petrol hybrid vehicles. In 2015, there were 12,000 on our roads, while today there are over 350,000. 'As our vehicle fleet changes, so too must the way we fund our roads. It isn't fair to have Kiwis who drive less and who can't afford a fuel-efficient car paying more than people who can afford one and drive more often.' 'This is a change that simply has to happen. The government has recognised reality and is getting on with the transition. 'The Government's plan will eventually see all vehicles pay based on actual road use (including weight) regardless of fuel type. 'The transition will happen in stages, beginning with legislative and regulatory reform to modernise the current RUC system and enable private sector innovation. 'The current RUC system is outdated. It's largely paper based, means people have to constantly monitor their odometers, and requires people to buy RUC in 1000 km chunks. 'We're not going to shift millions of drivers from a simple system at the pump to queues at retailers. So instead of expanding a clunky government system, we will reform the rules to allow the market to deliver innovative, user-friendly services for drivers. 'A handful of E-RUC companies already do this for about half of our heavy vehicle fleet and there are several companies, both domestic and international, with innovative technology that could make complying with RUC cheaper and easier.' Key legislative changes the Government is progressing include: Removing the requirement to carry or display RUC licences, allowing for digital records instead. Enabling the use of a broader range of electronic RUC devices, including those already built into many modern vehicles. Supporting flexible payment models such as post-pay and monthly billing. Separating NZTA's roles as both RUC regulator and retailer to foster fairer competition. Allowing bundling of other road charges like tolls and time of used based pricing into a single, easy payment. 'The changes will support a more user-friendly, technology-enabled RUC system, with multiple retail options available for motorists,' Mr Bishop says. 'Eventually, paying for RUC should be like paying a power bill online, or a Netflix subscription. Simple and easy. 'I expect to pass legislation in 2026, followed by an updated Code of Practice for RUC providers. We will also engage with the market in 2026 to assess technological solutions and delivery timelines. In parallel, NZTA and Police will upgrade their systems to support enforcement in a digital environment. 'By 2027, the RUC system will be 'open for business', with third-party providers able to offer innovative payment services and a consistent approval process in place. 'At this stage, no date has been set for the full transition of the light vehicle fleet. That's a deliberate choice, as we're focused on getting the system right rather than rushing its rollout. 'This is a once-in-a-generation change. It's the right thing to do, it's the fair thing to do, and it will future proof how we fund our roads for decades to come.' Note: This work progresses the National-ACT coalition agreement to replace fuel excise taxes with electronic road user charging.
NZ Autocar
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Four-star safety rating for Cupra Tavascan
The incoming Cupra Tavascan electric SUV that launches here later this year has received a four-star ANCAP safety rating. What prevented it from getting a five-star rating was the omission of traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter. The safety assist score slipped below the 70 per cent threshold, robbing it of the fifth safety star. The Cupra Tavascan performed well in the other key areas, however. In destructive crash testing, it recorded a score of 89 per cent for adult protection. A 'good' score was recorded in the frontal offset test for most body regions of driver and front seat passenger. The electric SUV excelled in the side impact test, earning maximum points and offering 'good' protection for all critical body regions of the driver. The oblique pole test produced similar results. A centre airbag provided 'good' protection to front seat occupants, on the whole. For Child Occupant Protection, the Tavascan scored 87 per cent. Full points were awarded for protection of both child dummies in the frontal offset and side impact crash tests. Tavascan also performed admirably in the Vulnerable Road User tests, with a score of 80 per cent. ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg, said that the Cupra Tavascan performed well in crash tests, with 'strong structural performance'. Within the Vulnerable Road User Protection area, which considers the vehicle's ability to protect other road users, the Tavascan achieved a score of 80 per cent. Its AEB systems performed well. However, it lost points for not have AEB when reversing. Hoorweg concluded 'We encourage Cupra to consider an update …to elevate Tavascan to the five-star level of its European equivalents.'
