AA supports electronic RUC system

Wednesday, 9 December 2009, 1:11 pm
Press Release: Automobile Association

Media Release: 9 December 2009

The AA is pleased with yesterday’s announcement by Transport Minister Steven Joyce that an electronic system for Road User Charge (RUC) licences will be introduced from next year.

“We’ve long supported an electronic system for Road User Charge licences because it’s much simpler for the road transport industry,” says AA General Manager Motoring Affairs Mike Noon.

“The electronic system should reduce administration costs and improve compliance in the transport industry.

“It should not only help operators be accurate with distances travelled, but we believe it will also make it easier for them to register weight changes.”

While an electronic RUC system is a welcome development for the commercial road transport industry, the AA believes most private motorists who purchase RUC for their diesel vehicles will stick with the paper-based system because their RUC charges do not vary like they do for trucking companies.

The AA believes today’s announcement is a good first step towards a full electronic system for RUC, which ultimately could charge drivers according to time, place, and vehicle weight. A full electronic system would be fairer because there is less opportunity for avoidance or under-paying.

ends

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