Transport Minister Simeon Brown has recently released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) Land Transport 2024, outlining the Coalition Government’s grand plan to bring our transportation system back on track and make getting from point A to B a breeze.
With a whopping investment of over $20 billion over the next three years, this GPS sets out to prioritise economic growth, productivity, increased maintenance, resilience, safety, and value for money. Yeah, you heard that right – they’re putting the pedal to the metal to ensure our roads are in tip-top shape.
“Over the next three years, our investment of around $7 billion per year prioritises economic growth and productivity, increased maintenance and resilience, safety, and value for money. It balances the need for investing in new projects, while ensuring our transport system is maintained to a high standard,” Mr Brown says.
But that’s not all, the government is reviving the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) program, with a fantastic line-up of 15 projects to cater to both people and freight. These new roads will be like the golden ticket to unlocking economic growth and regional development across the country. Plus, let’s not forget about the significant reduction in congestion and improved safety that the previous RoNS projects brought us. A smoother and safer journey? Sign us up!
And hold up, did someone say public transport? You bet! The draft GPS sets aside $2.3 billion for public transport services and $2.1 billion for public transport infrastructure. It’s all about delivering reliable, effective, and efficient public transport, especially in the bustling cities of Auckland and Wellington.
But wait, there’s more! The government’s got our backs when it comes to those pesky potholes. We all know how those unpredictable craters can turn a smooth drive into a bumpy adventure. That’s why they’ve introduced a shiny new $500 million Pothole Prevention Fund. It’s time to bid farewell to vehicle damage, travel disruption, and safety risks caused by these road menaces.
Speaking of safety, the Coalition Government is dead serious about keeping us all out of harm’s way on the roads. They’re putting the spotlight on road policing, investing in new and safe infrastructure, and targeting the leading causes of fatal crashes. It’s all part of their master plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries. With new enforcement targets on speed, alcohol breath testing, and even roadside drug testing coming our way, they’re determined to make our roads a safer playground for everyone.
“Road safety is a responsibility we all share. The Government has signalled our intention to introduce workable legislation to enable roadside drug testing, review fines for traffic offences, and review the vehicle regulatory system to better manage the safety performance of the vehicle fleet,” says Brown.
Sure, this is all going to come at a cost, and all things point to a ‘user pays’ scenario. We wait to see how much of this draft comes to fruition, but with their focus on economic growth, resilience, safety, and reducing our environmental impact, we’re in for some exciting times ahead.
