Get big trucks off State Highway One between Picton and Christchurch, and put freight back on the rail, says New Zealand First.
The SH1 from Picton to Christchurch is getting busier and more dangerous and needs a major overhaul to cope with increased traffic. To date the NZ Transport Agency has identified four key problems that need fixing, reports Stuff.
But according to New Zealand First leader and Northland MP Winston Peters, this is “utter nonsense”.
“There’s no common sense here,” he underscores. “Freight should roll off the ferry and be carted south on the main trunk line, or be shipped from North Island to Lyttelton.”
The agency said that winding roads and small tunnels are inefficient for heavy traffic and make the route dangerous for all drivers as they grow tired and take more risks.
“NZTA’s statement that it is a winding road with coastal tunnels, inefficient for heavy traffic and dangerous to all, points to the solution,” stresses Peters.
“You’ve got a railway line, why aren’t you using it? It is under-utilised yet the government can’t look any further than roads.”
He points out that the AA says the road is over congested and that the increase in heavy traffic – anticipated to spike over the next 25 years – has caused more maintenance issues, adding huge costs to the taxpayer.
“It’s a road cut through rock and steep terrain, and would cost billions of dollars to upgrade for the even bigger trucks the road freighting industry wants on it,” he concludes.
“It’s essentially a scenic, holiday highway, where big trucks and trailers should have a limited place – in fact they lessen the tourism experience and make it a frustrating journey for locals.”
