The final Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 (GPS 2024) has been released, outlining a $22 billion transport plan which includes ringfencing road maintenance funding to prevent potholes.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the plan will boost productivity and support economic growth.
“Since we announced the draft Government Policy Statement on land transport, an additional $1 billion has been confirmed for the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) through Budget 2024.
“This will accelerate our transport plan and support the delivery of Roads of National Significance (RoNS) and major public transport projects.
“Over the next three years, the Government will invest around $7 billion per year to build and maintain a transport system that enables Kiwis to get to where they need to go quickly and safely,” Brown says.
The revival of the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme marks a significant component of GPS 2024, with 17 major projects slated for development. This initiative, previously halted under the previous government, will be will be joined by 11 Roads of Regional Significance (RoRS) to create “stronger transport connections throughout New Zealand that supports productivity and economic growth,” Brown says.
Brown highlighted the Government’s commitment to improving public transport reliability and efficiency, with substantial investments slated for both metropolitan rail networks and freight corridors in key urban centres.
“Disruptions have been felt widely across our rail networks in recent years and have highlighted how important it is that we continue to invest in our networks. Investing in metropolitan rail and the Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga freight triangle is a priority,” he says.
For the first time, GPS 2024 is ringfencing road maintenance funding towards resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance works to prevent potholes on our State highways and local roads.
“Road safety remains paramount,” Brown says, outlining provisions within GPS 2024 for enhanced road policing, infrastructure upgrades, and measures targeting the leading causes of fatal accidents.
“As part of our plan to improve road safety and restore law and order, we will introduce workable legislation this year to implement roadside drug testing and will require Police to conduct 3.3 million alcohol breath tests every year,” he says.
*Click here to read the full GPS 2024.
