Policy Area: Transport

Statement of General Direction:

To provide for a quality, efficient infrastructure as a priority for New Zealand in the 21st century.

Key Initiatives of Policy:

Work with local and regional governments and require the development of longer term planning that reduces dependence on the private car for inner-city transport.

Require emission standards and fuel efficiency standards forvehicles (as part of a package of national standards for air quality), and require regional councils to implement a monitoring/reporting system for air quality.

Tough drink driving laws, confiscation of motor vehicles for repeat drink drive offenders and consideration given to impounding and/or forfeiture. Empower Police/traffic safety squads to impose instant fines/penalties standardised across the nation.

A road safety review committee to be established to specifically receive and respond to public submissions on road transport problems.

Require the review of driver licences, which is currently under way, to place strong emphasis on driver competence and to recognise that competent driving is dependent upon five facts: the individual's knowledge, skill, experience, fitness and attitude, and consider introducing photos on drivers' licences.

Driving qualifications to reflect continuous measured competence and ability in all these areas. To achieve this, simulator training will be investigated and, if practicable, instigated initially for new drivers.

Similarly, there will be improved education and training systems encouraged for truck drivers and dispatchers. Consideration is to be given to heavier penalties for offences.

Within a stipulated time-frame, on a prioritised and specified traffic count basis, road/rail crossings are to be controlled by barrier arms.

Allow ACC the right to withhold certain benefits (eg earnings related compensation) from convicted drunk drivers who cause serious injury.

The Government is to facilitate an industry conference on the state of, and future for, the shipping and ship servicing industries in New Zealand. The conference is to ensure that shipping services continue to be competitive and efficient and establish how New Zealand might have a greater involvement in shipping and the future for the development of the New Zealand ship servicing industry.

Reform of speed camera policies and practices; subject to budget priorities, better resourcing of policing roads, better driver education and promotion of safe driving.Trial covert siting of cameras.

Investigate the possibility of introducing Third Party Insurance as a requirement of car registration.

Within the first term of a Coalition Government, there will be a review of the use/effects of premium unleaded petrol and a review of future fuel options.

Following the completion of the Land Transport Pricing Study, report and investigate on an appropriate formula for the funding of land transport, greater transparency of the collection of revenues and the purposes of funding transport.

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:

Yet to be assessed.

(All funding proposals subject to being considered within the agreed spending policy parameters.)

Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement:

Yet to be assessed.