New Zealand’s Road User Charges system, through which drivers of diesel-fueled vehicles help fund the operation, maintenance, and development of New Zealand’s roading system, was world-leading when it was introduced in 1978. While it has had some enhancements since, it remains largely unchanged. As alternative fuels – electricity and perhaps hydrogen – start to become commonplace, is it time for a technology upgrade and a shift to electronic road user charges (eRUC) for all vehicles to sustainably fund our land transport system?

A close ally to City Deals is the concept of congestion charging in urban environments as a means of supporting improved allocation of space across all transport modes.