New Zealand is to allow transport operators to use electronic distance recorders and electronic displays of road user charges (RUC) licenses in an attempt to simplify the countries RUC system.

The government has confirmed that regulation to enable trucking companies to to use electronic distance recording will be developed and put in place by next year.

The device will serve as an alternative to the existing mechanical methods of hubodometers and paper licences.

Transport minister Steven Joyce said the move would help reduce compliance costs and the risk of RUC evasion for those who choose to adopt the new technology.

“Electronic distance recording is more efficient than existing mechanical methods and can make the operation of RUC easier for heavy vehicle operators,” Joyce said.

The move is a result of an independent review of the existing RUC system which suggested the introduction of modern technology to improve the system.