Council failing on transport

Nelson is falling short on several land transport targets, a new evaluation has found.

The evaluation, to be considered by the Nelson City Council's regional transport committee tomorrow, says it is failing most in areas of increasing public transport use and services, developing studies into walking and cycling barriers on main roads and customer satisfaction levels.

It notes the city's land transport strategy had fallen out of sync with Government priorities since the last general election. This prompted the loss of funding for key activities.

The council also decided to delay the implementation of an upgraded passenger transport services until 2012/13 and initiate the Arterial Traffic Study.

"When combined, these influences have meant that many aspects of the Regional Land Transport Strategy have not been implemented," the evaluation says.

Meanwhile, councillors were updated on the Arterial Traffic Study progress during a confidential workshop last week. There is growing unease from some councillors about why the information is being treated as confidential.

The first two stages of the study resulted in four preferred options – a two-lane Southern Link road through the Victory area, a major widening of Rocks Rd or Waimea Rd and part-time clearways on these roads – being released in June.

The next stage is due for release in October.

- © Fairfax NZ News