Darren Hughes

New Zealanders could be faced with the reality of deteriorating local roads following the release of the Government's three-year National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) today, Labour's transport spokesperson Darren Hughes said today.

"Hidden away in the detail of the programme is National's plan to freeze spending on the maintenance of local roads in the NLTPs second and third years," Darren Hughes said.

"Given that Transport Minister Stephen Joyce is on the verge of approving heavier, longer and wider trucks to travel on local roads, how is the Government planning on maintaining roads to keep them safe?

"It's nonsensical that we allow increased heavy haulage on our roads but don't back that up with a programme of maintenance.

"Damage done by the increased volume and the increased weight of trucks will need to be repaired. How can that extra work be done if maintenance spending is frozen?"

Darren Hughes said provisions in the NLTP should also be of concern to Kiwis who use public transport.

"The NLTP funding for public transport has been calculated using patronage at current levels.

"What about the increased cost of passenger growth over time? Who will wear that cost?

"Will the Minister stand in front of Kiwis who rely on public transport and tell them their fares will rise? That is the reality of National's plan for public transport." Darren Hughes said.