Efficient transport is extremely important to our economic and social well-being. Roads, in particular, are the lifeline of rural communities nation-wide. This article outlines proposed changes to the way our roads are managed. This can be seen as being unfair because payment is based on something that has nothing to do with roads, or how much or how little people use them. The proportion of your rates that currently goes on roading depends on the number of people per kilometre of road in your area.
Rural areas tend, therefore, to pay a proportionately large amount of their rates towards roading.
The current system allows one region to, in effect, subsidise the road use of others coming in from outside the region. By law, these companies would have to retain the extent and quality of the existing road network. Transfund NZ Ltd would provide road funding. Unless they chose otherwise, local authorities would continue owning and managing amenities like cycle lanes, bus shelters, and trees, etc. Pedestrians or cyclists wouldn't be charged to use roads.