The draft Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) for the Waikato region is open for you to have your say.  Submissions close on Sunday, 21 March. The draft RLTP outlines key transport objectives and priorities for the region and a key focus is meant to be climate change and how we reduce transport emissions. My personal view is that the draft plan falls well short of what is required.

The Plan sets a target of just a 25% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 but fails to identify/specify how even this modest target can be achieved.  The Auckland City Climate Plan by contrast has set a target of a 64% reduction in transport emissions by 2030 and lists specific activity targets where these emissions will be achieved.  The Waikato RLTP does not contain specific activity targets like this to reduce emissions.

The government has declared a climate emergency and the Climate Commission draft report has set strong targets for the “almost complete decarbonisation” of the transport fleet, recommending much greater uptake of public transport and electric vehicles and more people walking and cycling and not using private cars.  Unfortunately the Waikato RLTP reflects very little of this ambition.  In the next 10 years only 3% of spending will be on walking and cycling and only 7% on public transport. 78% of the projected spending will be on roads.

Submissions can be made using the online submission form. Alternatively you can email your submission to transport@waikatoregion.govt.nz or post your submission to: Transport and Infrastructure, Freepost 118509 Waikato Regional Council, Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240.

MAKE A SUBMISSION USING THE ONLINE FORM

Submission deadline Submissions must be received by 11:59pm on Sunday 21 March 2021. 

If you make a submission, you can request the opportunity to present your comments in person to the hearings committee. Submissions will be heard on Friday 16 April and Monday 19 April 2021 (if required). The number of days required will depend on the number of submitters who indicate they wish to be heard. 

Deliberations will be held on Monday 17 May and Friday 21 May 2021 (if required) and a final decision will be made at the Council meeting scheduled for Thursday 24 June 2021.