Logistics News

ARA calls for price regulation of heavy vehicle charges

Rail industry body says mass-distance-location charging mechanisms for road and rail ‘not equal’

 

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is calling for the commencement of heavy vehicle road reform trials and independent price regulation of heavy vehicle charges.

CEO Danny Broad says road and rail transport do not have a level playing field when it comes to pricing mechanisms based on mass, distance and location.

The suggestion is part of ARA’s pre-Budget submission to the government.

“We urge the Commonwealth government to also take action on road pricing,” Broad says.

“The Commonwealth needs to act on mass-distance-location charging mechanisms for heavy vehicles along major interstate routes which compete with rail.

“The playing field on this issue has been unequal for far too long.

“Options for independent price regulation of heavy vehicle charges need to be commenced, including trial elements of heavy vehicle road reform.”

Joining the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) call to build the Inland Rail, ARA is also urging the federal government to speed up the “necessary” project.

“Inland Rail will reduce congestion on our roads with fewer heavy vehicle movements and improve our nation’s environmental sustainability,” Broad says.

Apart from supporting the Melbourne to Brisbane direct freight rail route, the rail industry body is calling on authorities to make “significant financial commitment” to boost overall rail efficiency in Australia.

“The ARA looks to the Commonwealth government to work with state and territory governments as partners in investing into rail.

“Ongoing financial support needs to be provided to enhance our liveability in our cities and growth corridors.”

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend