NZ Truck & Driver July 2023

Page 83

It’s political... WHAT THE POLITICIANS THINK ABOUT TRUCKING THE NEW ZEALAND TRUCKING INDUSTRY FACES many challenges – many of them influenced by Government policy. Apart from the many problems currently created by the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s the ongoing driver shortage, the worsening state of the nation’s roading network and looming emissions reduction legislation… So, who among our political parties offers any salvation for the industry in these situations?

To have some insight into what politicians are thinking about issues impacting the road transport industry, NZ Truck & Driver has offered each of the major political parties the opportunity to voice their views on trucking matters each month. This month we get to hear from the ACT and National party transport spokespeople with the election now only months away. T&D

INFRASTRUCTURE REFORM FOR BETTER ROADS By Simon Court, ACT Party spokesperson on transport POTHOLES, WORN-OUT SIGNAGE, inadequate markings, and outdated infrastructure contribute to accidents and traffic congestion. Moreover, neglected roads impose a financial burden on taxpayers who have to bear the costs of constant repairs and vehicle maintenance resulting from subpar road conditions. I recently asked the (currently stood-down) Minister of Transport, Hon Michael Wood, about the maintenance of New Zealand’s road network. The response from the Minister was both revealing and concerning that Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency, does not invest in roads at the same rate as their depreciation. This admission sheds light on a long-standing issue that successive governments have failed to address adequately. The road network requires consistent and sustainable attention, not sporadic bursts of activity. Instead of ad-hoc initiatives, we need multi-generational work programmes that can lay the foundation for a robust and reliable transport system. One of the key problems lies in the government’s focus on mega projects such as Auckland Light Rail, Let’s Get Wellington Moving, and the recently cancelled Waitemata Harbour bike bridge. This has diverted attention and resources from essential maintenance and upkeep of our road network. The pursuit of flashy, highprofile endeavours seems to take precedence over addressing the urgent needs of our infrastructure.

Furthermore, future projects like the Waitemata Harbour Crossing suffer from scope confusion because of poor climate policy and the Government’s obsession with reducing vehicle kilometres travelled by 20%. The focus on light rail as part of the proposal means that any replacement for the existing crossing may be decades away, rather than before the 2030 date when the existing bridge reaches the end of its lifespan. One example of a programme that deserves more focused investment is Road to Zero. While its objectives are commendable, the unrealistic timeframes imposed by political ambition have hindered its progress. The consequence of these rushed timelines is the wholesale reduction of speed limits, often at the expense of well-thoughtout designs that incorporate essential safety features like barriers, guardrails, and passing lanes at regular intervals. Such compromises not only affect road safety but also highlight the lack of thoughtful planning in maintaining our network effectively. It is high time that we hold our governments accountable for their neglect of our road network. It is not enough to focus solely on grand projects and ignore the vital maintenance work required to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system. We need a comprehensive and sustainable approach that prioritises regular maintenance, strategic investments, and thoughtful planning. Successive governments have failed to

Simon Court

recognise the importance of maintaining our roads adequately. ACT believes structural reform is clearly necessary to return discipline and efficiency to infrastructure delivery in New Zealand. ACT would start by establishing a new independent state-owned enterprise, Highways New Zealand, which would own and operate New Zealand’s state highway network. It would also construct any new state highways and conduct maintenance and improvements on existing highways. Highways New Zealand would be expected to be operationally self-funding out of user fees, including delivering a return on invested capital to the Government. It would be incentivised to deliver projects promptly and affordably, because delays and costoverruns would harm underlying profitability and, executive compensation. That means roading managers who fail to deliver on time and maintain safe roads could have their pay docked under a Government with ACT at the Cabinet table. Our infrastructure reforms subject investment to real discipline and enable proper pricing. That will allow taxpayers to get more bang for their buck and for more funding to emerge through innovative financing mechanisms. It is a practical prescription for progress. T&D Truck & Driver | 81


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Articles inside

Fruehauf still ahead in trailer market

3min
pages 90-99

Market maintains record pace

2min
pages 89-90

Ensuring compliance with Overweight permits

3min
pages 87-89

We’re just one serious accident away from knee jerk regulations

2min
pages 85-86

BUDGET LEAVES A POTHOLE IN ROAD MAINTENANCE FUNDING

2min
page 84

INFRASTRUCTURE REFORM FOR BETTER ROADS

2min
page 83

It’s a big job... ...and Damian Smethurst has got to do it

9min
pages 79-83

Award Winners

2min
pages 76-79

Shining in Southland

0
page 76

Downtown delivers

1min
page 75

Pristine and patina

0
pages 73-74

Servicing Cardan shaft park brakes Servicing Cardan shaft park brakes Servicing Cardan shaft park brakes Servicing Cardan shaft park brakes Servicing Cardan shaft park brakes

3min
pages 71-72

Volvo charges into the future

3min
pages 69-70

Brisbane technology blitz

11min
pages 61-69

Hooked on HGVs – Goose Haddock

6min
pages 56-60

When Freight Lines bought a company, they kept the name and didn’t change the branding

5min
pages 50-55

Highway investment a Budget highlight

10min
pages 41-49

THE CONNECTED TRUCK

9min
pages 34-41

It’s time to trust your engine oil

8min
pages 26-33

New Hamilton hub for DHL

1min
pages 21-23

SH30 overbridge open

0
page 21

Bigger in Texas

1min
pages 19-20

Updated UD Quon arrives

1min
page 17

Record electric truck order

1min
page 16

Trucking Industry Show set for 2025

0
page 15

University begins Aussie H2 study

1min
page 15

CONSTRUCTION CREW.

0
page 14

Isuzu and Honda in hydrogen collab Changes to Penrose bridge height warning

1min
page 12

Countdown to Hall of Fame `23

1min
pages 11-12

EV world-first for Christchurch Airport

1min
page 11

Hydrogen Unimog project underway

1min
page 10

Biofuel moving Formula 1 Special delivery

0
page 9

Kiwi-built EV container mover

4min
pages 7-9

Massive Kenworth show this summer

1min
page 6
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