Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour will consider how much of the $2.9 billion annual National Land Transport
Fund might be available for reallocation, and what projects make sense. We will not
waste money on unnecessary highways that lock us into a high-carbon future.
With fuel prices generally rising, consumption falling and revenue from fuel taxes going
down, current projections may not be sustainable. Investment should be based on
reasonable cost-benefit assessment, including social and environmental factors. The reality
of a rising price on carbon must be taken into account.
Labour will investigate and prioritise improvements to the “East-West Corridor”
proposal in Auckland between East Tamaki at State Highway I and Onehunga at
State Highway 20.
Kapiti Expressway and Transmission Gully
Labour prefers the original Western Link Road plan, not the four-lane Kapiti Expressway as
has now been approved.
Labour will reinstate its original preference. It will fund this option 100%.
Labour will also continue to support the Transmission Gully project but only so long
as it meets reasonable cost-benefit criteria.
Local and regional issues
Local roads are being short-changed by the current regime. This part of the infrastructure is
essential in terms of regional development. Much of the nation‟s exports originate in the
regions and require infrastructure which allows for safe and efficient movement.
Labour will ensure the funding for local roads is not further undermined by the
excessive focus on Roads of National Significance.
Funding and innovation
Labour is willing to use both public and private approaches to funding in order to maintain
investment into our transportation infrastructure.
Labour will investigate the appropriate use of mechanisms including tolling, PPPs
and road pricing, ie. congestion charging.
These matters will require a significant level of transport user support. Both the private and
public sector have an obligation to ensure that innovations do not impose additional costs
and are demonstrably fulfilling value for money criteria. Failure to meet a value-plus criteria
will mean modest involvement from the private sector.
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