High oil prices may affect planning

Auckland's new regional land transport strategy has had a rider attached to reflect uncertainty posed by high oil prices in its 10-year planning horizon.

Although $11 billion has been allocated to Auckland transport in the period, mainly from the Government but including local contributions, the new passage suggests high oil prices may suppress car use and affect funding levels.

Signing off the strategy on Tuesday, the regional land transport committee confirmed a high public transport option in which buses, trains and ferries are to receive 32 per cent of the $11 billion. The $3.8 billion expected to be spent on public transport compares with $6.81 billion for roads - a 62 per cent share - and $420 million for travel demand management which includes walking and cycling infrastructure, and travel planning.

Allocations have increased slightly since the previous Government added $330 million several months ago to Auckland's transport funding, $280 million of which was tagged for state highways and $50 million for rail infrastructure spending.

Although road lobbyists were concerned the amount the strategy gave to public transport may not leave enough for a motorway extension through Avondale, Transit New Zealand has since said it will borrow a further $800 million for Auckland projects.

The regional committee confirmed the strategy after being told that more than half of the submissions expressing a preference supported the high public transport option. But the committee also approved a late additional passage predicting that the level of funding for Auckland transport is likely to be affected as motorists respond to high oil prices by using less fuel.