More money for regional roads

CYCLING and walking infrastructure, regional roads and public transport are among the areas set for an increase in funding under the Government’s new transport plan, but less money will be spent on state highway improvements.

Minister of Transport Phil Twyford announced yesterday Cabinet had approved the new 10year plan for transport.

It promised a 116% increase in funding for walking and cycling infrastructure improvements, a 68% increase in money available for public transport and a 42% rise in funds for local road improvements, compared with the last government policy state ment in 2015.

Funding for regional improvements, road policing, road safety promotion, state highway maintenance and local road maintain is also set to rise.

However, investment in state highway improvements will decrease by 11%.

The petrol excise duty is set to increase by 3.5c per litre each year to 2020, which will be matched by an increase in road user charges (RUCs) in 201819.

More RUC hikes are scheduled for the following two years.

Mr Twyford said the Government’s new policy statement on land transport meant more money will be available for ‘‘essential transport infrastructure and local roads in Otago.’’

‘‘The Government is halting the decline in investment in our regions and investing more money upgrading rural and local roads to modern safety standards.

‘‘Under our plan, the Government will invest in important projects across the country, rather than a few handpicked highways in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.’’

Mr Twyford said more projects in Otago’s transport plan would ‘‘get off the ground’’, and the Government would pay a greater share of the cost.

‘‘For example, certain high and very high priority projects led by Otago Regional Council will now be 75.5% funded by the New Zealand Transport Agency, an increase from 51%.’’