RA President, David Stuart-Watt, says the national scheme proposed by Premier Weatherill in today’s National Press Club address – replacing heavy vehicle registration and fuel excise with a user-pays charge based on distance, mass and location – deserves the serious consideration of state, territory and Federal governments.
“Our current public road funding model simply isn’t keeping pace with the demands of maintaining and renewing the national road freight network,” he says.
“It’s time we thought outside the square.
“Premier Weatherill’s proposal is the most significant statement of support for RUC we’ve yet seen in Australia. It follows on from numerous calls for trials and investigations by bodies including the Productivity Commission and Infrastructure Australia, as well as industry groups.
“Replacing the existing regime of heavy vehicle charges and taxes with a RUC scheme represents a fundamental reform of road funding in this country, and it will require significant co-operation and support by the states, territories and Commonwealth.
“In the first instance, we urge all levels of government to get onboard and support trials in South Australia, as offered by Premier Weatherill.
“Roads Australia and its members are ready and willing to do whatever we can to support such trials.”