With all the damage oversize vehicles, such as SUVs and double-cab utes, cause, should they be banned altogether? That was the provocative question a journalist asked us recently for her article The case to ban SUVs. And the new End Urban SUVs campaign is also focused on this issue.
Living Streets Aotearoa submission on the Government Policy Statement on Transport asks for some significant changes to the Policy that determines the funding for the New Zealand land transport system. The proposed GPS continues years of non-funding for walking and pedestrian activity with a heavy bias towards state highway funding. Our submission recommends the focus for the New Zealand transport system must be people-centred to support a healthy life and sustainable activity for all.
This report is from the Ministry of Transport
http://www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Research/Documents/Pedestria...
and last months road crash stats
http://www.transport.govt.nz/research/roadcrashstatistics/monthlyovervie...
Transport Minister Steven Joyce has launched the Safer Journeys strategy.
Living Streets issued a media release supporting the main thrust of the strategy, but expressing disappointment that the issue of slower speeds is not being addressed right away.
The Ministry of Transport has put out a discussion document "Safer Journeys", asking for feedback on the priorities for improving safety on the roads. This is of paramount interest for walkers as we are the most vulnerable road users. More people would walk if they felt that our roads and the people who drive on them were safer. So have your say - you can read the document and make an on-line submission here, or put your comments on the blog for inclusion in the Living Streets submission.
Living Streets Aotearoa is the New Zealand organisation for people on foot, promoting walking-friendly communities. We are a nationwide organisation with local branches and affiliates throughout New Zealand.
We want more people walking and enjoying public spaces be they young or old, fast or slow, whether walking, sitting, commuting, shopping, between appointments, or out on the streets for exercise, for leisure or for pleasure.
