KEY POINTS:
Spending on land transport infrastructure and services will increase 4 per cent this year to $2.4 billion, Land Transport New Zealand announced today.
The 2007/08 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) sets out a programme of activities that integrates different forms of transport.
Land Transport NZ acting chairman Paul
Fitzharris said a record level of funding was being allocated for an ambitious range of projects that would improve the country's roads and passenger transport services.
"Good funding and policy decisions made now will contribute to an integrated transport system which allows users to make choices that have lasting benefits for public health, the economy and our environment," he said.
"The 10-year NLTP funding forecast provides for growth in public transport services, walking and cycling."
A large part of the 2007/08 NLTP represents continued funding for ongoing activities such as road maintenance and passenger transport services, as well as funds committed to projects approved in previous years.
Roading New Zealand, the group that represents the majority of New Zealand's roading construction companies, welcomed a 5 per cent increase in road maintenance and construction funding, but was concerned that it appeared to fall short of that required.
Chief executive Chris Olsen said New Zealand's roading system had been built using low cost construction materials.
"It requires a high maintenance costs regime to keep it intact. We need to preserve the integrity of the roading network to ensure it continues to function as the public expects."
Mr Olsen said it was time the Government provided funding certainty for maintenance as well to ensure the roading network continued to operate at levels of service expected by the public and motorists.
Key features of this year's NLTP include:
* Continued funding for ongoing activities such as road maintenance and passenger transport services and funds committed to projects approved in previous years.
* Maintenance funding for local roads and state highways. This accounts for 40 per cent of the NLTP, and has risen by $44 million to $847 million for 2007/08.
* Funding for state highway construction has increased by $43.6 million from last year to $664 million in 2007/08. Funding for local road construction rises by $5.4 million to $211.8 million in 2007/08.
* Community focused activities, previously known as the Community Road Safety Programme (CRSP), have been integrated into the NLTP for the first time. This brings the planning and funding of community focused land transport activities alongside other projects that are delivered through approved organisations and alongside other NLTP activities. Funding for community focused activities totals $17 million for 2007/08.
* Passenger transport investment from the NLTP will be $262.8 million in 2007/08. The allocation to passenger transport services increases by $23.7 million to $165 million.
- NZPA