The National Road Carriers Association (NRC) is advocating for the formal inclusion of the road freight sector when the newly announced Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC) is established.
The call follows the announcement by Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown about significant reforms to Auckland Transport which strip the organisation of its statutory independence.
The reforms mean key transport decisions will be made by elected council members along with the formation of the ARTC to oversee a 30-year Integrated Transport Plan for the city.
NRC policy and advocacy general manager James Smith says the road freight industry welcomes the reforms.
“NRC is pleased to see action to answer the frustrations many have with Auckland Transport.
“We look forward to engaging constructively to ensure the freight sector can efficiently support the economic growth of Auckland.”
Smith says the national road freight body is putting forward its view that it should be included in any future ARTC which will consider plans for the city’s needs across roads, rail, public transport, and freight.
The reforms include transferring transport policy and planning functions from AT back to Auckland Council, establishing the ARTC to develop long-term transport plans, and granting local boards more say on community transport issues.
The changes aim to restore democratic decision-making and align Auckland’s transport governance with other regions across New Zealand.
