“We are confident that the changes will make the system fairer, not only for farmers, but for all road users,” says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers transport spokesperson.

“The indications at the moment seem to suggest that there is a high level of RUC evasion and this is costing the honest payers an estimated $30 million a year. That’s $30million that could be spent on improving our roads.

“The proposals should improve compliance as well as lower costs and lower costs for freight operators will always be positive news for freight customers, like farmers.

“The changes also look to modify the definition of licensing weights, modernise the lists of vehicles exempted from RUC, improve the electronic management systems and make the offence and penalties structure fairer and simpler.

“Some of the proposals are still subject to consultation and Federated Farmers looks forward to continuing our work with Government and officials to implement a better RUC system.

“This is the most comprehensive reform since the system was introduced in the 1970’s and it’s good to see changes that will benefit most road users. I look forward to watching how this works out in practice when the Bill is introduced into Parliament later this year,” Mr Aubrey concluded.