Public transport and the Government’s 'Roads of National Significance' are set to become this election’s major transport issues, with Labour saying public transport networks should be a higher priority than redeveloped motorways and highways.
The Government’s seven Roads of National Significance – major roading projects which National says will boost the economy by encouraging tourism and increasing jobs – are set to receive heavy funding from the Government’s 10-year transport plan.
The plan outlines a $36 billion investment in roads and a $2.3 billion investment for metro rail infrastructure in Auckland and Wellington.
The $36 billion will come from the National Land Transport Fund, and be raised in part by increases in petrol tax and road user charges – something both Labour and the Greens say is unnecessary and excessive.
To counter this, the Government has established a road maintenance taskforce which aims to identify areas in road construction and maintenance where savings can be made.
Labour and the Green Party say National’s focus on roading is misguided and more funding should be given to integrated public transport systems which reduce cost and congestion.
The positive economic impact of the Roads of National Significance will be marginal, Labour says, as parallel, unobstructed routes already exist.
Labour says funding should be diverted from roading and directed towards more economically and environmentally sensible options – including strengthening regional transport and developing public transport systems.
With the double threat of climate change and rising petrol prices looming Labour and the Greens say investment in rail and coastal shipping is necessary to reduce the environmental and financial impact of road freighting.
National has also introduced road safety measures – including raising the driving age to 16, strengthening the Restricted Licence test and lowering the youth drink driving limit – to lower the road toll.
Labour says the measures don’t go far enough and the blood alcohol limit should also be lowered for adults.