17 February 2004

Toll Systems Project Consultation Hearing Panel Report released

Transit New Zealand today released the Consultation Hearing Panel Report on the Toll Systems Project. The report recommends that Transit proceed with the next stages of the Toll Systems Project while maintaining wide stakeholder involvement.

“The report found that there is support for the concept of a nationally integrated electronic toll collection system for toll roads in New Zealand. We also welcome the panel’s clear direction in response to stakeholders’ comments, on further refinement of the scope of the project and the further investigation of payment options for infrequent toll road users,” said Transit chief executive Rick van Barneveld.

The Toll Systems Project was initiated by Transit to develop a national strategic approach to the standards applying to the collection and processing functions of toll transactions for all toll roads.

Wide public consultation on the Toll Systems Project was undertaken from early September 2004 to 18 October 2005. Of the 57 written submissions received, 15 were from road controlling authorities and 11 from national organisations. Fifteen submitters appeared before the Consultation Hearing Panel in support of their submissions.

Based on the issues raised by the submissions, the panel summarised its findings into six recommendations to assist in the next phase of the project. These are that Transit:

Clearly defines the mandates, functions and delegated (statutory) powers of the following authorities with respect to the Toll Systems Project, in accordance with the Land Transport Management Act (LTMA) and other statutory requirements and obligations:

Continues to develop the infrastructure necessary to meet its needs for ALPURT B2 and other toll projects and maintains wide stakeholder involvement in the ongoing development of the Toll Systems Project. This includes road controlling authorities and private sector companies, especially those involved with provision of relevant technologies.

Reviews the proposed method of toll collection for vehicles not fitted with an electronic toll collection device and provide a practical alternative for such road users.

Must also have regard to the requirements of section 51(3) of the LTMA for one method of payment that does not record personal information of the person paying the toll in considering the methods of toll collection.

Has regard for the recommendations of the Auditor-General’s report “Governance and Oversight of Large Information Technology Projects” (April 2000) as part of the implementation of the Toll Systems Project.

Initiates a number of work streams, in conjunction with other government agencies, in a number of areas which are linked to the Toll Systems Project or future government policy such as:

vehicle identification/licensing accuracy and use of the mvr database “back office” functions, including governance, management, control of funds and transaction management technical standards and protocols to ensure interoperability between different tolled roads.

“The Panel has produced a thorough and considered report. The recommendations provide a basis for how we can continue to involve stakeholders in the process so that we can establish a toll management system that ranks among the world’s best,” said Mr. van Barneveld.

The full Consultation Hearing Panel Report is available online at http://www.transit.govt.nz/national_tolls/.

ENDS

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