The Otago man, who did not want to be named, runs a small trucking business and paid $400 more than expected due to the lag before a new discount period began.
A new 38% RUC discount takes effect today and will be in place until June 30.
The discount is part of the cost of living support extension announced by the Government on February 1, in which petrol tax cuts and half-price fares for public transport were also extended.
However, the delay in updating legislation meant those buying RUC last month paid in full, as the initial discount period ended on January 31.
The man said there had been a disappointing lack of follow-through.
"They tell us they’re going to do something and nothing happens," he said.
Announcing the news, Transport Minister Michael Wood said extending the reductions would help to reduce the road transport sector’s fuel costs, keeping the cost of food and essential goods lower.
People had pre-purchased RUC to cover them for coming month while legislation was reintroduced, he said.
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett said while the industry was grateful for the discount, some people were frustrated.
"There is some annoyance there wasn’t a seamless transition between the end of one discount period and the start of another."
Not all operators had been impacted and those who were able to bought in advance, to avoid paying full price, he said.
The big picture was still a positive one, as operators would save thousands of dollars over the new discount period.
Provided business passed along transportation cost savings to the consumer, it was a positive step against inflation.
Ministry of Transport demand management and revenue manager Marian Willberg said amending legislation was the fastest way to reinstate RUC discounts.
This could not be done until the week beginning February 20, Parliament’s first sitting week of the year, she said.
Operators who paid full rates last month could buy an overlap licence and credit unused distance on an existing licence to offset the new licence cost.
Trucking companies approached by the Otago Daily Times declined to comment.
