MEDIA RELEASE

New legislation brings welcome transport changes

18 October 2007

Local Government New Zealand welcomes the changes that will result from the Public Transport Management Bill and the Land Transport Management Amendment Bill, both which were introduced to Parliament this week.

“The Public Transport Management Bill will enable regional councils to set standards for all commercial passenger transport services, not just those which have been contracted.

“However, most importantly, the proposed legislation allows regional councils to plan and implement reliable and sustainable passenger transport services in which the public can have confidence,” said President Basil Morrison.

The Land Transport Management Amendment Bill heralds one of the most significant changes to the transport sector in recent times.

“The Bill has many benefits for local government. It provides the opportunity for better integration of local, regional and national transport planning and delivery of services. The move from annual to three yearly programming cycles provides greater funding certainty for councils. It also aligns with the other existing planning and consultation processes.

“We welcome the opportunities the proposed regional fuel tax offers to fund capital works which might otherwise struggle to be built. We also applaud the Government’s decision to fully dedicate fuel excise duties to the National Land Transport Fund.

“Finally, we support the change in structure of the central government agencies. The creation of the New Zealand Transport Agency through the merger of Land Transport New Zealand and Transit New Zealand will achieve more integrated decision-making and improved accountability. At the same time it will clarify the role of the Ministry of Transport within the sector”, says Mr Morrison.

Mr Morrison said Local Government New Zealand appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the development of both pieces of legislation and it is supportive of the outcomes.

ENDS

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