Greener transport roadmap needed

A clear roadmap for safer, greener vehicles and boosting the benefits of buying an EV are among requests to the next government from the Automobile Association.

The AA suggests 12 Election Calls it wants the government to introduce after the October 17 election to make transport better, safer and cleaner.

It says EV numbers here not increasing as quickly as many would like.

“Currently there are just over 21,000 EVs in the country compared to 3.3 million cars with internal combustion engines. EVs will play a part in our country reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the future but many of the current options come with a high price tag,” the AA says.

It urges the next government to introduce incentives for businesses and government fleet operators to purchase EVs by providing meaningful financial benefits.

“The government needs to consider options like tax concessions, accelerated depreciation rates or other financial benefits that will work best to encourage organisations to purchase EVs,” the AA says.

“This will lead on to more used vehicles becoming available for purchase by individual motorists in the future as businesses replace their fleet.”

The calls are realistic and achievable, says AA Motoring Affairs general manager Mike Noon.

“They’re actions that we need the government to prioritise and lead now, regardless of which political parties are in power after the election.”

The AA’s advocacy is based on regular membership surveys, including more than a million drivers. Nearly 700,000 business fleet vehicles are also signed up for AA roadside assistance.

“AA members aren’t just drivers; approximately 10% regularly use public transport and 13% consider themselves cyclists,” Noon says.

“We are facing serious challenges with the global pandemic, but we can’t lose focus on other major issues that will affect our future environment and economy.

“Meaningful action on our transport calls will result in fewer deaths and injuries on the roads, less environmental harm from transport, less time wasted in congestion, and more enjoyable travel. All this helps us maintain the lifestyle and choices Kiwis want.”

The 12 calls also include reviving essential road maintenance, lifting regional highways’ standards, targeting cellphone use behind the wheel, helping young people become safe and licensed drivers, getting rapid transit back on track, and more.