That’s the key message from a report entitled ‘Funding Roads for the Future’, released today (24 January) by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE).
The report also says the charge should be based on congestion on the network and vehicle ownership, including whether it is a small, large or foreign-owned business.
A new scheme of this type, it adds, could become a pilot for a wider dynamic road user charging system.
“The way our roads are being used is changing, rendering existing funding arrangements obsolete. Reform has to begin with HGVs who have the most to gain from any improvements to our roads,” says Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE, chief executive of ACE.
“Reform of HGV road user levy, fuel duty and vehicle excise duty is a great opportunity to test both the concept and delivery of a truly dynamic road-user charging system that will ultimately mean fairer funding for all,” he says. “It is vital that the government starts these conversations with the industry now.”
The report also recommends: development of a new national roads strategy, including a local roads fund; widening the scope of vehicle excise duty in the short term to include zero-emission vehicles, so securing revenue for the national roads fund; and a local infrastructure tariff to allow councils to establish a sustainable revenue stream for local road investment.
Go to ACE’s website (click the link below) to download a copy of the report and follow the discussion on twitter #FundingRoads.