16-12-2023, 06:24 PM
They've pulled back on developing walkways & cycleways - idiocy in these times. It seems they're not bothered about the effect on their & our children, grandchildren & their descendants.
We - & every other country in the world - desperately need politicians with the ability to take a long term view, preferably before the planet is completely stuffed.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504...initatives
"The new government's Transport Minister has pulled the brakes on dozens of council projects designed to encourage cycling, walking and use of public transport across the country, sparking confusion in local authority ranks and fury amongst cycling advocates.
In a letter to local authorities Simeon Brown said he told the New Zealand Transport Authority (Waka Kotahi) to halt work on cycling and walking initiatives.
"I understand that some local authorities have been developing programmes with NZTA and other stakeholders to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) by the light vehicle fleet, using funding from the Climate Emergency Response Fund.
"I have given notice to NZTA to end its work on these programmes, and to not commit any further funding to local authorities (beyond existing contractual obligations) to develop these programmes. Thank you for your understanding as we work through these changes."
VKT programmes are designed to reduce reliance on cars, and support people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
Brown was not available for an interview, but in a statement said the cycling and walking initiatives were a waste of time and money."
We - & every other country in the world - desperately need politicians with the ability to take a long term view, preferably before the planet is completely stuffed.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504...initatives
"The new government's Transport Minister has pulled the brakes on dozens of council projects designed to encourage cycling, walking and use of public transport across the country, sparking confusion in local authority ranks and fury amongst cycling advocates.
In a letter to local authorities Simeon Brown said he told the New Zealand Transport Authority (Waka Kotahi) to halt work on cycling and walking initiatives.
"I understand that some local authorities have been developing programmes with NZTA and other stakeholders to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) by the light vehicle fleet, using funding from the Climate Emergency Response Fund.
"I have given notice to NZTA to end its work on these programmes, and to not commit any further funding to local authorities (beyond existing contractual obligations) to develop these programmes. Thank you for your understanding as we work through these changes."
VKT programmes are designed to reduce reliance on cars, and support people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
Brown was not available for an interview, but in a statement said the cycling and walking initiatives were a waste of time and money."
in order to be old & wise, you must first be young & stupid. (I'm still working on that.)