TRANSPORT

Transport is a vital part of the modern economy and society but is also responsible for negative impacts on the local and global environment. In New Zealand the transport sector is responsible for 37 % of carbon dioxide emissions and is one of the fastest growing sectors, with 31% growth in emissions between 1990 and 1997. Water run-off, local ambient air quality, community severance, congestion and nuisance from noise are all significant problems. New Zealand’s sprawling settlements encourage car dependency. This pattern needs to be addressed through improved land-use planning, increased funding for public transport and to facilitate walking and cycling, and improvements to the efficiency of vehicles.

Political parties should commit to:
 

1. Introducing traffic reduction targets for all city councils. Regional land transport strategies would be the mechanism to plan for reduction, and the means of measuring and reporting on how targets are being met. Legislation should be introduced by 1 July 2000, with an initial goal of 10% reduction over 1999 levels by 2005. 2. Retaining national and regional land transport strategies under the Land Transport Act to ensure integrated transport planning so that integration between modes and land-use needs are planned for. For example, goals should be established for reducing pollution, resource use and community impacts. 3. Ensuring community control of the land transport system through the rejection of proposals to corporatise road management and funding since this leads to incentives to maximise road use. 4. Restructuring the land transport system with a focus on environmental and community driven outcomes and oppose the draft Land Transport Bill. 5. Introducing internationally recognised emissions standards for new vehicles and an annual capacity rating charge to encourage fuel economy. Implement new standards and charges by 1 July 2000 including the introduction of annual vehicle emission testing as part of the warrant of fitness. 6. Introduce charging for environmental externalities and impacts of vehicles on roads by 1 July 2001. Revenue from charging should be used to mitigate impacts, to fund public transport and for the provision of facilities for cycling and pedestrians.

For further information contact: ECO