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Govt seeks input in independent price regulation for heavy vehicle charges

The Federal Government has released a discussion paper outlining options for an independent price regulator and is calling for input.

The Federal Government has released a discussion paper outlining options for an independent price regulator and is calling for input.The Federal Government has released a discussion paper outlining options for an independent price regulator and is calling for input.

Heavy vehicle operators currently pay for access to public roads through the federally managed fuel‑based road user charge and through state government vehicle registration fees. While the National Transport Commission makes an annual recommendation to governments regarding the level at which these charges should be set, governments have the final say.

According to a statement from Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher, independent price regulation of heavy vehicle charges would enable a regulator to determine road user charges for heavy vehicle operators at arm’s length from government. Charges would be designed to more directly and effectively link user charges to government expenditure on roads.

The discussion paper from government outlines three options for which entity could take responsibility for independent price regulation.

The government is now seeking input on the merits of independent price regulation and which organisation would be best placed to carry the task.

This reform forms part of the commitment by COAG to accelerate reform of heavy vehicle user charging.

The Australian Government invites comments on the discussion paper by close of business on Friday, 14 July 2017

The discussion paper and comments form are available at infrastructure.gov.au/heavy on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s website.

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