Ministry of Transport Update Bernadine Walsh 18 February

Ministry of Transport Update Bernadine Walsh 18 February 2010

Outline • • Safer Journeys Land Transport Management Act Review Heavy Vehicle Project Super Gold Card Review National Infrastructure Plan Rail Minister

Safer Journeys • Launch – around late February • Information been released over past few months • Package of actions progressed over next couple of years, some immediate

Safer Journeys • “If we're serious about improving road safety, future changes need to be based on evidence and on the experience of similar countries - like Australia. ” – Minister Joyce • The Minister wants a package on young drivers as one of the first actions to flow from the new road safety strategy.

Safer Journeys "Young New Zealanders have a fatality rate of 21 per 100, 000 of population, in Australia it's 13 per 100, 000 - that a huge difference and we need to understand the reasons behind that, including the sorts of interventions in place across that Tasman that we don't have here. ” » Minister Joyce

Safer Journeys • In all but one State [ACT] the driving age is 16. In Victoria a probationary licence system is being introduced with a requirement for a good driving record to advance to the next licence stage. • Queensland has introduced hazard perception testing into its graduated licensing testing. • A number of states also have implemented or are implementing between 100 - 120 hours of driving practice to advance to the next licence stage while fines and demerit points for licence breaches are also in place in several states. • Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland have vehicle restrictions for young drivers based on vehicle power.

Land Transport Management Act Review “Not a fundamental re-think of the LTMA framework” Within Scope The review is looking to: – increase the effectiveness and durability of the LTMA’s planning, funding and accountability procedures and processes by simplifying terminology, reducing overlaps and duplications, and removing redundant requirements – ensure the LTMA emphasises value for money – reframe the LTMA’s tolling and public private partnership provisions to reduce barriers to the use of these mechanisms – provide flexibility in the LTMA to use borrowing to support the delivery of the national land transport programme – repeal the LTMA’s regional fuel tax provisions. Outside of Scope – substantive revision to the Act’s underlying funding and planning framework, including hypothecation (the national land transport fund), the NZTA’s programming and funding approval roles, and regional planning and prioritisation – new revenue mechanisms – reviewing road management powers – reviewing organisation form (with the exception of Regional Transport Committees).

Land Transport Management Act Review Milestones • • • Preliminary work and engagement (ongoing) Cabinet decisions Bill introduction Select committee process Enactment of any new legislation Engagement • • Formal select committee process Minister has agreed to some engagement on proposals when further developed.

Heavy Vehicle Productivity • The amendment is proposed to come into effect from 1 April 2010. • Ministerial sign-off process over next month or so. • An implementation plan is being developed by the NZ Transport Agency. Dedicated unit.

National Infrastructure Plan • Release is likely over next few months

Minister • Minister has new portfolio of Tertiary Education

Rail • Kiwi. Rail has been in discussion over its Strategic Business Plan with the Minister. Ministry in advisory role. • Discussions are ongoing. . . still working things through. • Minister focussed on freight business in particular. • Host of other rail policy work going on in Ministry.

Super. Gold Card • Card was launched in 2007, provides free off-peak travel on public transport • About 540, 000 card holders, and 40, 000 new cardholders eligible each year • Crown appropriation of $18 m p. a. for four years, 100% FAR (including NZTA/ regional council admin. ) • A review of scheme was always planned after first year • Review currently under way, being led by the Ministry and NZTA • NZTA survey of 1500 SGC holder regarding their experience and usage of the scheme • Discussion document being finalised – will be consultation document out by April.