At Last Some Roading Sense

Media release 7 November 2003

At Last Some Roading Sense

Governments, it is said, do something sensible only when they have exhausted all the alternatives. This seems to apply to the last minute insertion of 'efficiency' into the purpose clauses of the land transport legislation enacted this week says Business New Zealand Chief Executive Simon Carlaw.

"United Future and Larry Baldock in particular are to be congratulated for their persistence in trying to bring some discipline to a Green wish list.

"This change is a valuable addition to the small number of useful changes made to the Bill during its consideration. Nevertheless, this core infrastructural legislation was poor in design and will be poor in performance.

"The New Zealand roading network remains in critical need of significantly increased investment. Business New Zealand and the organisations it has worked closely with in recent months will be taking a close interest in the efficiency of any proposal to grow walkways, cycleways or better railway track at motorists' expense."

ENDS

© Scoop Media