Heavy vehicles to pay more to use roads

The move to increase the charge from 21c/L was prompted by a significant rise in government spending on roads across Australia, federal infrastructure and transport minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement.
The fee increase ensured that the trucking industry contributed its fair share toward road construction and maintenance costs, Albanese said.
The new fee structure will see trucking companies claim 16.443c/L in fuel tax credits compared with 17.143c before July 1.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) had asked the federal government to delay the fee increase until next January.
However, ATA chairman Trevor Martyn said that new road user charge for trucking companies was justified. This (government) spending achieved results for the trucking industry with major road projects completed in every state and territory, Martyn said. The bill is due and were being asked to pay our share.
He urged trucking operators to increase their fuel surcharges or freight rates to cover the fee increase.

Source: Lloyd's List Daily Commercial News - www.lloydslistdcn.com.au