KEY POINTS:
The global credit crunch is being blamed by the Accident Compensation Corporation for a likely rise in road user charges.
ACC wants public submissions by next month on its proposed 2009-10 levy increases. If accepted, the average employee on the medium salary of $41,000 and owning one car, would pay an additional $2.36 a week and an extra $32.37 for a vehicle.
Levy manager Dr Keith McLea said ACC was affected this year by some external factors beyond its control.
"Investment returns were less due to the credit crisis while long-term inflation predictions also rose, meaning the amount we have to collect to fully fund any new claims rose. New legislation means ACC now covers a wider range of injuries, which lifts the cost to levy payers."
