Truckies Big day out

[ycato]

As a truckie myself,It was good to see the public getting behind us.It started out on RUC But it has become more than this now,People have showen how unhappey they are with the current goverment.
What are your views.......

No wonder there was a large turnout of truckies.... they drive juggernauts, AND get a paid to do the bosses bidding. The trucking lobby have been subsidised by the taxpayer and car users for many years, to the detriment of our roads and safety. They have an organised lobby group to influence government policy and advance their own interests to the detriment of the general public. They have grown dramaticaly since the raiways have been neglected by Tranzrail and previous governments. The truckers need to be controlled and pay a fair rate for oue of the roads. You just look at the quality of the truck fleet to see that there is money in it. Compare with the run down rail network. They need to be brought into balance with the national interest. Thats the role of government, in my view.

[RWood]

I agree completely with the last poster. Just another case of those who owe, don't want to pay.

[ATO2]

Originally Posted by RWood

I agree completely with the last poster. Just another case of those who owe, don't want to pay.

I would like to add that the support/interest in the turnout may also reflect a deeper sense of unease or anger at price rises in general- particularly petrol- and the government of the day will get the blame for that. One has only to look at the events/protests of truckers overseas.
Governments- whatever side of the political fence they are on- appear impotent at the moment.
Yes, the roads are full of trucks and they should pay their fair share. Period.
However, I think it was politically most unwise for Labour to announce the increase, considering we are close to an election and any sudden cost increase to a group with strong lobbying power runs the risk of public protest!
Enough of politiks- in the olden days one could retire to the contemplative life! LOL

[RWood]

I agree with that too! Successive governments have simply pushed the issue aside, but now things are serious and a Gov't that is likely to lose the election must feel it can't wait any longer.

[ether]

I wished my employers paid me to protest for more funding.

Disappointing thing for me (although not surprising in anyway) is the lack of intelligent reporting from the news/papers.

How about telling us how much the trucks actually pay per km per ton and compare it with the average private car and other costs the truck incure. I read to day that the increase in user charges was increased a few years ago for the first time since 1989 (18yrs!!) This seems rediculous because first impressions would suggest there cant have been and inflation increases/adjustments in these charges for 18yrs!! Also would be interested to read about data for which vehicles cause the most damage to the roads. ?is it a linear thing. This is interesting because hasn't a trial of super heavy trucks just started on some motorways in nz?

If in the end the data shows that the big rigs are paying excessive amount when you factor in the costs and damage of the roads then I would have more sympathy but I want to see the data.

The bleating about not being told about the price increase is also a bit silly. The idea behind the increases is to increae the money collected. If you know in advance this is going to happen, then ppl will buy the certifiacated etc onh mass to avoid the charge and so there wont be money for another year.

ether

[ether]

ps Have the nats said anything about repealling it. If not Id argue they would have done the same thing....