Government walks the talk in its new GPS

Walking advocacy group Living Streets Aotearoa welcomes the Government’s new transport and funding priorities set out in the Government Policy Statement on Transport.

This Government has heard Living Streets Aotearoa by putting money where everybody’s shoes go. The funding burden for footpath maintenance will now be shared between local and central government under the local roads maintenance class. The walking and cycling activity class has seen a 248% increase which it desperately needed.

Living Streets Tumuaki Tuarua, Ellen Blake, says, “This is great news for walking in New Zealand. For the first time we have a Government that recognises walking and pedestrians deserve some central government support, all 4.7 million of us. This Government walks the talk in its new GPS”

“We expect to see a big focus on walking to school, to reverse the appalling decline in kids walking everyday. We will see serious improvement of pedestrian safety in our towns. We look forward to streets and crossings being built to a consistent accessible standard so we can all enjoy getting out in our public spaces, whether we use a wheelchair, push a pram or go for marathon runs.”

Ms Blake adds “While we celebrate this change, we don’t underestimate the challenge of moving from the status quo. We’re looking forward to being part of the change and encourage everyone to have a say on the draft GPS.”

Living Streets Aotearoa is the New Zealand organisation for people on foot that promotes walking-friendly communities and provides a voice for pedestrians. We are a nationwide organisation with local branches and affiliates throughout New Zealand to encourage everyday walking. Recent lobbying for Government funding for walking infrastructure including Ministers, MoT and NZTA is paying dividends

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