Electronic systems for road user charges (RUC)

Questions and answers

• What is an electronic distance recorder?
• How can I use an electronic distance recorder for RUC?
• How does an electronic distance recorder work?
• What is an electronic service provider?
• What are the benefits of using an electronic distance recorder?
• Where can I get an electronic distance recorder?
• How can I check which service providers and devices are approved?
• How does the electronic display work?
• Can operators still use hubodometers and paper licences?
• How much will changing to electronic distance recording cost?
• Some operators already use electronic tracking devices to support their business practices, will they be able to use these for RUC as well?
• Where can I find information about system requirements?
• How do I switch from a hubodometer to an electronic distance recorder?
• What happens to my unused RUC when I switch to an electronic distance recorder?

What is an electronic distance recorder?

An electronic distance recorder is a unit wired into the vehicle that:

• measures, collects and reports information relating to the distance travelled and location (eg on-road versus off-road travel) for a specific vehicle
• has an electronic display panel that shows the distance travelled and RUC licence information for a specific vehicle
• forms part of a total RUC management system including online licence purchasing.

How can I use an electronic distance recorder for RUC?

Regulations that came into force on 1 January 2010 enable approved electronic distance recorders to be used as an alternative to mechanical hubodometers and paper RUC licences, on a voluntary basis.

How does an electronic distance recorder work?

An electronic distance recorder collects information from external (a Global Navigation Satellite Systems signal) and internal vehicle sensors (eg an accelerometer and a derivative of wheel revolutions). These data streams are then cross checked by the unit to ensure accurate measurement of the distance travelled by the vehicle.

Electronic distance recorders are connected to the server of an electronic service provider and are able to send and receive vehicle and licence information by secure electronic means.

What is an electronic service provider?

An electronic service provider is an independent, privately-owned company that has been authorised by the NZ Transport Agency to issue RUC licences displayed electronically. The licences are displayed on an electronic distance recorder approved by the Secretary for Transport.

What are the benefits of using an electronic distance recorder?

Electronic distance recording and electronic display of RUC licences will benefit the transport industry by offering a more durable and reliable method of distance recording and reducing the time spent on RUC administration. These systems are combined with a secure internet payment facility giving industry 24-hour online access to RUC licence information.

Where can I get an electronic distance recorder?

To obtain an electronic distance recorder you must sign up with an approved service provider.

How can I check which service providers and devices are approved?

At present there are two electronic service providers approved to supply electronic distance recorders, they are:

Eroad Limited

• the eHubo V1
• the tHubo V1.

For more information about EROAD Limited and the approved electronic distance recorders please visit www.eroad.co.nz or call 08004EROAD.

CoretexInternational Telematics Limited

• the iBright EDR

For more information about Coretexabout International Telematics Limited   and the approved electronic distance recorders please visit  www.coretex.com or call 0800 8353628.visit www.internationaltelematics.com or call 0800 835362.

How does the electronic display work?

The electronic display panel is permanently mounted to the vehicle in an outward facing position and continuously displays distance and RUC licence information.

Transport operators purchase a RUC licence online, through the website of your contracted service provider and have the licence information transmitted to the in-vehicle display immediately.

Can operators still use hubodometers and paper licences?

Yes. Use of an electronic RUC system is on a voluntary basis.

How much will changing to electronic distance recording cost?

You should discuss this with any providers you are considering. As this is a private sector initiative, Government is not involved in the setting of service charges.

Some operators already use electronic tracking devices to support their business practices, will they be able to use these for RUC as well?

Provided these devices are approved by the Secretary for Transport as fit for purpose, by meeting objective, output-based performance criteria relating to accuracy, reliability and security, they may be used for RUC purposes.

A number of electronic tracking companies have approached the NZ Transport Agency to discuss device performance requirements and indicated that they are interested in developing a RUC capable product. Ultimately it will be up to the individual companies as to whether they wish to develop an electronic distance recorder product to complement their existing tracking service.

Where can I find information about system requirements?

Further information about system requirements and the certification process for electronic distance recorders can be found on our website under  Interim guidelines for electronic road user charges management systems .

Potential service providers are able to contact the NZ Transport Agency to arrange an assessment of devices they wish to provide to industry.

How do I switch from a hubodometer to an electronic distance recorder?

Your electronic service provider will manage this simple process for you. It is important that you do not remove your hubodometer until advised to by your service provider; and you have an electronic distance recorder fitted in your vehicle with a new RUC licence displayed on it.

What happens to my unused RUC when I switch to an electronic distance recorder?

A refund application will be processed by the NZ Transport Agency following the usual procedure for a hubodometer change. You will not need to make a separate application.