31 October 2006 Media Statement
Improving utilities' access to road and rail corridors
Better coordination of roadworks, along with reduced compliance costs for infrastructure providers, will be two of the
main benefits arising from proposed changes to the regimes governing access to transport corridors, the Ministers of
Transport, Economic Development and Energy announced today.
The proposed changes are outlined in a position paper released today which follows a government review around the use of
road, motorway and rail corridors by utilities – such as electricity, gas and telecommunications companies, and how that
access is managed.
"Ensuring New Zealand has a world-class infrastructure is a vital part of the government's work to transform New Zealand
into a high wage, innovative, export-led economy. The package of measures outlined in the position paper we are
releasing today is part of this important infrastructure work and aligns with other work already underway in the
transport, telecommunications and energy sectors, including significant programmes of investment, " Economic Development
Minister Trevor Mallard said.
“One of the main inefficiencies associated with the current regime is lack of coordination between the various utilities
who need to access pipes and lines running underneath roads. The resulting traffic delays and damage to road surfaces,
as roads are dug up repeatedly, cause ongoing frustration for motorists and road operators. By giving an explicit
coordination role to road controlling authorities, we hope to reduce significantly the costs and inconvenience
associated with poorly-planned access to road corridors.
"The changes will also see reductions in compliance costs through initiatives such as the introduction of national
standards, reduced costs for local government through less damage to roads and drains, and also benefits to communities
through fewer road accidents."
Energy Minister David Parker said that many of the planned changes outlined in the position paper addressed
inconsistencies and gaps in existing statutes that were resulting in inefficiencies, and uncertainty, with associated
higher costs and delays.
Specific changes include making key definitions, processes and timeframes consistent across all relevant utilities
legislation; clarifying the governance role to represent the wider public interest; establishing enforceable nationwide
standards for notification of affected parties, cost sharing, and dispute resolution; and providing for increased
utility access to rail and motorway corridors, subject to transport safety goals.
Transport Minister Annette King said the changes would also help improve road safety and traffic management.
"For instance, poles are the fourth most hit roadside object and have the most severe consequences, especially on rural
roads with 100 km/h speed limits. Road safety – specifically, the reduction of roadside hazards –will therefore be
explicitly factored into the development of national codes and standards for the management of road corridors," Annette
King said.
The development of the broad approach outlined in the paper released today has included wide consultation with a range
of stakeholders, including utilities companies, transport groups and local government. The Ministry of Economic
Development will now develop detailed policies to implement the broad approach, including the required changes to
legislation. There will be ongoing consultation with stakeholders throughout this process.
Ends