Removing Auckland’s Regional Fuel Tax, scrapping the ‘ute tax’ and introducing a National Infrastructure Agency are among some of National’s transport-related policy proposals outlined in its 100 Day Action Plan.
The opposition party released the plan on Sunday, revealing the legislation it would introduce to Parliament in the first 100 days if it forms the next government.
Road freight body Transporting NZ says it supports “in principle” the transport related proposals in National’s plan.
Interim chief executive Dom Kalasih says the organisation supports any policies from any party that increases efficiency and safety in the transport sector.
“In particular we see value in a National Infrastructure Agency to focus on building a resilient road network, and we’re interested to see National’s proposed policy statement on Roads of National Significance.
“Transporting New Zealand is also behind taking a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to setting speed limits, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach which seems to be becoming common and makes for nonsensical speed limits on safe, open roads,” Kalasih says.
“People are our most valuable resource and it’s no secret that their working conditions are key to running a successful business. However, the current Fair Pay Agreements Act legislation doesn’t recognise that so we’re also supportive of the plans to repeal that.”
National leader Christopher Luxon says if his party leads the next government, “we won’t wait another day to get going on delivering our broad and deep policy agenda to get New Zealand back on track”.
“We have drawn up a 100 Day Action Plan to get started on rebuilding the economy, delivering tax relief, restoring law and order, and delivering better health, education, housing and infrastructure,” Luxon says.
Policies of interest to the transport industry include:
- Removing the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax which adds 11.5 cents per litre of petrol
- Cancelling planned fuel tax hikes which would add another 12 cents per litre of petrol
- Begin work on establishing a National Infrastructure Agency.
- Issue a draft new Government Policy Statement on Transport reflecting new Roads of National Significance and public transport projects.
- Stop blanket speed limit reductions
- Cancel Auckland’s proposed light rail project.
- Repealing the Clean Car Discount by Dec 31
- Introducing legislation to restore 90-day trial periods for all businesses.
- Repealing “Fair Pay” legislation.
