Unitary Plan presents major transport challenges
"The Unitary Plan recommendations released today by the Independent Hearings Panel provide a significant increase in
development capacity, but will seriously exacerbate congestion in Auckland if development occurs in areas not well
supported by public transport," says Stephen Selwood, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure
Development.
"The Plan permits urban in-fill across almost all of the current urban area, as well as significant apartment living
adjacent to key transport corridors.
"Density beside rail and busway corridors makes sense, especially for those that work in the city.
"But, increasing household density without corresponding and viable public transport alternatives will result in
increased car density and cause much worse congestion.
"Modelling undertaken as part of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project shows that on current plans congestion in
Auckland will be much worse in 2026 than it is today.
"The Panel's recommendations allow a marked increase in density in areas that do not have viable public transport
alternatives. This will make congestion an even more serious problem than has been anticipated by ATAP.
"Motorways and arterial roads are of particular concern. Additional motorway capacity and widening of arterial roads
will be essential to avoid Auckland grinding to a halt. A marked increase in public transport funding will also be
essential.
"Funding that level of investment will require new ways to raise revenue and manage demand.
"If future urban areas were developed in a way that enabled high density living close to work, this would be a much more
effective way of providing for growth than allowing in-fill in areas not well supported by transport capacity.
"The Hearings Panel has done a fantastic job in providing capacity to meet urgent housing needs. The opportunity for the
incoming council is to provide much more targeted growth around public transport corridors and make provision for
integrated residential and employment development in future urban areas," Selwood says.
ENDS