The Small Scale Trial
A small-scale 'proof of concept' trial was run over 6 months in 2019-20. The small-scale trial demonstrated that a more direct road user charging model could be trialled more broadly, with participants supporting testing of alternative charging models and data collection technology.
After consultation with industry and an evaluation of this small-scale trial, larger scale trials with up to 100 businesses and over 1000 vehicles were planned.
Document
small_scale_on_road_trial_evaluation_report.pdf (823.21 KB)
Large Scale Trials
Larger scale Trials are being run over three phases. Participating businesses can take part in 1, 2 or all 3 phases of the Trials. A timeline of the large-scale trials is below:
Document
Phase 1
Phase 1 ran over three months, completed in February 2021. Phase 1 tested a distance-based road user charge, and in response to industry feedback, a co-designed 'mock' invoice. The purpose of this mock invoice is to show participants the charges they would pay under a possible new model, compared to what they are currently paying.
An example of the mock invoice used in phase 1 below.
Document
Phase 1 – Example of mock invoice (355.43 KB)
Phase 2
Phase 2 kicked off in July 2022 and will conclude in June 2023, participants of this phase are testing a direct road user charging model based on distance recorded using Hubodometers* (See footnote) and a digital 'mock' permit system.
Participants are provided Hubodometer devices at no cost for the duration of the Trials. Trial participants recharge their mock permits and record cumulative distance and associated charges during the trial.
Note: Recruitment for phase 2 is now closed.
Document
Phase 3
Phase 3 will kick off in April 2023, over a 12 month period participants will test a direct road user charges model based on mass, distance and location with data collected via Telematics** (See footnote) devices.
Participants are provided Telematics devices at no cost for the duration of the Trials. 'Mock' invoices comparing the current charges (fuel excise and state/territory vehicle registration - known as PAYGO) to the alternative charging model will be provided each month during the trial.
Document
Note: Phase 2 and 3 of the Trials are being independently evaluated by Deloitte.
Footnotes:
*(A Hubodometer is a device mounted on the axle of an automobile or other land vehicle that measures distance traveled)
** (Telematics is a method of monitoring cars, trucks, equipment and other assets by using GPS technology and on-board diagnostics (OBD) to plot the asset's movements on a computerized map.)