On 21 March 2012, the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI) voted to approve short-term implementable measures to significantly reduce heavy vehicle A-trailer charges.
SCOTI requested that the National Transport Commission (NTC) urgently review A-trailer registration charges in November 2011 following calls from industry that the charges were adversely impacting some operators.
NTC Chief Executive, Nick Dimopoulos, said the updated charges were developed following extensive consultation with governments and industry. The proposal is also based on sound research and Council of Australian Governments’ policy directions.
“We’ve listened carefully to industry and government views and have developed a short-term solution that will significantly relieve the financial pressure on operators who use A-trailers,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“The updated charges are based on the best available data and will ensure that operators who don’t do a lot of mileage, such as livestock transporters, and operators using safer more productive vehicle types aren’t unfairly disadvantaged.”
The updated charges, which include significant reductions in B-double and B-triple registrations, are expected to be implemented by 1 July 2012. Reconstruction activity costs associated with natural disasters, such as floods, have been excluded from the charges.
“We understand that the transport industry is looking for a longer-term solution for charges that will more fairly charge operators for their use of the road network,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“We are looking forward to working together with industry and governments on developing a new, fairer system that aligns with reforms already underway in this area.”
The NTC’s report to Ministers is available on the NTC website. Updated changes can be found in the NTC report.
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