A re-elected National Government would continue underpinning a strong economy through delivery of well-rounded and high quality transport infrastructure, National Transport Spokesman Gerry Brownlee announced today.

'Over the past six years National has invested heavily in our transport infrastructure, following a period of under-investment by the previous Labour Government,” says Gerry.

'A re-elected National Government will continue to invest in all types of transport infrastructure, including pushing ahead with the Roads of National Significance programme, which accelerates and prioritises New Zealand's most needed roading projects.

'We will also commit to big investment in important regional roading projects.

'And we will continue to support public transport both with subsidies and heavy investment in new and upgraded infrastructure.

'A safe, modern and efficient transport system is the life blood of any country.

'Road, rail, marine and aviation transport systems get goods to market and people to work and leisure.

'National has a great transport track record, having spent nearly $11 billion on improving our transport infrastructure over the past three years alone.

'Several of the Roads of National Significance projects have opened ahead of schedule, getting people to work and goods to port more safely and quickly.

'We have focused on improving public transport infrastructure, spending over $2 billion to upgrade and electrify the Auckland and Wellington commuter rail systems and driving through a new public transport operating model that will improve bus and rail services for all New Zealanders.

'We've made it cheaper for people to travel with changes that bring the Warrant of Fitness regime into the 21^st Century, and we've passed drink-driving legislation which will lower the breath and blood alcohol limits.”

If re-elected National will:

• Continue the Roads of National Significance Programme.

• Deliver a new accelerated regional roading package of 14 projects around the country worth $212 million, using money from the Future Investment Fund.

• Deliver a new fund of up to $90 million a year dedicated to priority transport projects in the regions.

• Kick-start a new urban cycleways fund of $100 million and appoint a specialist Urban Cycleway Investment Panel, drawing on expertise from central and local government, and other organisations to identify which cycleway projects to build.

Source: Office of Gerry Brownlee.