Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding

ESR is concerned at Government intervention in the process of objective decision making on national land transport funding in favour of state highway construction.

Several of the Roads of National Significance will deliver a very poor economic return on investment. If the Government is really determined to drive efficiencies in the transport sector, this should be applied consistently to all projects and activities. Anything else implies a selective bias.

Instead of relying on short term fixes we need to think seriously about ensuring New Zealand is a successful and desirable place to live for future generations. That is likely to require differing short term priorities. Above all it requires clear, measurable long term objectives for the transport sector, the achievement of which is monitored and regularly reported on.