More targeted road user charges?

The Herald reports:

A trial that could see heavy vehicle owners charged for the use of certain roads is to be considered.

Around $110 billion will be spent by central and local government on infrastructure over the next 10 years – but more money will come from user-pays and other charges.

Finance Minister Bill English yesterday released the 30 Year National Infrastructure plan, which contains initiatives to help the country cope with aging infrastructure.

One action outlines how Ministers will in 2015/16 consider advice on the feasibility and design of a “demand management and road pricing project” trial for heavy vehicles.

Road pricing is charging drivers for the use of a road, or the use of roads in a specific area.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said he planned to speak more about that work at a road transport forum later this month.

Roads should be funded by their users. Petrol tax is an approximate user pay charge, but ultimately we should be looking at vehicles paying for specific roads and more at peak times. In return petrol tax should reduce.