The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released the proposed annual adjustment of heavy vehicle charges for the 2013-14 tear for public consultation.

Under the charges, heavy vehicles are charged for the use of roads by a combination of fuel-based charge (determined by the Federal Government) and a fixed registration charge (determined by State and Territory governments).

Under the directive of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI), the NTC is responsible for reviewing national heavy vehicle charges and calculating the annual adjustment. 

 A 2.6 per cent adjustment to the road user charge, to take effect from 1 July 2013 is proposed. Details of the calculation of the proposed increase are outlined in 2013 Heavy vehicle road user charge annual adjustment consultation document, available from the NTC website. 
The adjustment to the road user charge adheres to the overarching principles set by COAG and SCOTI regarding full cost recovery of heavy vehicle expenditure and the removal of cross-subsidies between vehicle classes. 

Submissions on the proposed annual adjustment are invited by 26 March 2013.

Submissions can be made online at www.ntc.gov.au or by mail to: Annual Adjustment Submission, National Transport Commission, Level 15, 628 Bourke Street, MELBOURNE VIC 3000