Baldock: Now to put tools in transport toolbox

The Land Transport Management Bill is the toolbox, but it needs more tools in it to do the job, United Future transport spokesman Larry Baldock said today.

"And United Future intends to make sure that subsequent legislation next year gives it those tools - and deals to that green hue which is just a little too strong," Mr Baldock said.

"But the box is not too bad - we've worked hard and succeeded in having the demands of efficiency strengthened to provide a better balance alongside the social and environmental responsibilities of Transfund and Transit," he said in Parliament last night.

"Many have spoken about the need for legislation to give us the means to solve our transport infrastructure deficit.

"This bill does contain a few tools - notably the opportunity for local communities to use tolling to raise funds to build roads that communities themselves have determined they need.

"And with this bill now allowing that, one important case in point would be that Greater Wellington could now raise money for and build the proposed Transmission Gully if it so chooses.

"It also allows for public-private partnerships in a variety of ways. Private investors may engage in partnership on certain projects.

"I think the business sector now clearly realises that United Future will help deliver those tools," Mr Baldock said.

"We have already begun working with the Government on the introduction of the next bill - and that is where some real differences will be made in terms delivering this country a transport network New Zealanders can be proud of in the 21st century."

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