"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.

For more information contact

Mike Noon
General Manager Motoring Affairs
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 931 9984
M.+64 021 659 704
E. mnoon@aa.co.nz

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.