Nats, Labour Both Off Track On Transport – Forum
September 4th, 2008
Some clear strategic thinking and worthwhile analysis of Labour and National’s tit for tat war of words over toll roads has finally emerged courtesy of the Sustainable Energy Forum. It says both major parties are letting their obsession with building new roads distract them from the real issues facing the transport sector – boosting sustainability and cutting dependency on imported oil. Spokesman Tim Jones says, “In the argument that has erupted over the level of tolls that motorists would pay for new roads under National’s transport policy, the most important question seems to have been lost: are new roads needed at all?”
Toll Roads Not Needed. Jones points out as fuel prices have risen to previously unknown levels, NZers have shown they are not as wedded to their cars as many people, and many politicians, claim “Vehicle counts have been down substantially on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Wellington’s Ngauranga motorway, while Auckland public transport numbers have risen 10% since 2007.” He predicts although oil prices have fallen recently, this is unlikely to last. This is because the International Energy Agency is predicting a worsening oil supply crunch from 2010 onwards, which will drive fuel prices still higher.
Focus Needs To Shift. The Forum believes National and Labour both need to refocus their transport priorities. Instead of competing with each other to promise the most roads, the parties should focus on public transport, more freight movement by rail and sea; making walking and cycling easier and improving telecommunications so more people can work from home. Sensible objectives but don’t expect either Labour or National to propose such a radical plan to car loving voters fearful of change even if it’s in their best long term interests.
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