AA sees good mix in Government’s draft funding plan

The draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on land transport 2015/16 - 2024/25 has been welcomed by the AA.

The GPS sets the priorities for how more than $3 billion each year from the National Land Transport Fund will be spent on land transport. The bulk of these funds come from the excise tax on fuel and Road User Charges from diesel vehicles.

"The AA supports the key principles of the GPS of creating a transport system that supports economic growth and productivity, is safer, and aims for better value-for-money," says AA Motoring Affairs General Manager Mike Noon.

"We've seen long-needed investment in New Zealand's roading network in recent years and this GPS keeps that on track. The AA supports the Government's Roads of National Significance programme being completed in full, which will allow more efficient and safer travel for people and freight around our five main population centres.

"The draft GPS also proposes new funding for regional roading projects. Many of our regions have significant roading projects they want to progress and the AA would welcome more investment to help boost regional economic growth, make the roads more reliable and resilient, and boost tourism."

The AA is also pleased to see the level of funding for public transport, road policing and walking and cycling maintained.

"New Zealand is facing some major transport decisions and challenges in the years ahead," says Mr Noon. "The AA supports having a safe and effective transport system that, where it's possible, gives people a range of choices in how they move around.

"Every day about 140,000,000km are travelled in total on our roads, and this is forecast to continue, but we do also need to be looking to improve the public transport and walking and cycling options in our major cities in particular."

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