Distance-based charging (mainly through electronic methods) provides an efficient and cost-effective mechanism for implementing an equitable and rational user pay financing system for transport while still allowing the government to employ road pricing and other taxes and fees as tools to effect transportation policy and raise revenues for general purposes. The paper discusses the significant progress being made internationally on the development of distance-based charging approaches, with key issues to be covered including: 1. international trends in the collection of fuel excise duty; 2. New Zealand’s leading role in the 1970’s introduction of road user charges for heavy vehicles; 3. significant international developments, including in particular in Switzerland, Germany and the United Kingdom; 4. technological developments in charging internationally and their significant implications for feasibility; 5. projected developments and their possible influence on NZ. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E212706.
Samenvatting