Financial Problem Of Roads Board

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30156, 13 June 1963, Page 8

Financial Problem Of Roads Board

(New Zealand Press Association)

ROTORUA, June 12

New Zealand has led the world with its roading finance system, the Minister of Works (Mr Goosman) said in Rotorua this morning. However, the financial problem was probably the greatest that faced the National Roads Board, he told the annual conference of the New Zealand Counties Association.

The total State highways requirements in the next 10 years would amount to about £168,000.000. The National Roads Board fund was now “recognised by the vast majority as the best roading finance system in the world,” he said. The principle that the user pay, and that those who paid had control, was the key which had opened the door to a better deal for roading. In nine years up to March 31 last, the National Roads Board had spent £189,100,000. In that period, 7517 miles of new seal —nearly seven times

from North Cape to Bluff—had been laid. For some years, an average of 1000 miles a year had been sealed.

Where State highways had to be reconstructed in the future, they would be built to Class 1 standard, said Mr Goosman. However, the board would always have to have money available for grants or its effectiveness would be nullified.

In the next 10 years the total requirements for major works on urban sections of State highways would be nearly £55,000.Q00, of which £7,000,000 would be needed for land purchase. Mr Goosman said the sealing of minor roads to a width of 12ft only was justified.

“I know I have been criticised on many occasions for advocating sealing 12ft wide,” he said. “But, after inspecting many areas lately, I am more firmly convinced than ever that, in suitable conditions, it is right.” If persons on bad roads in remote areas had to wait for reconstruction to Wider formation, they would not • get sealed roads for many years ahead, “if ever,” said Mr Goosman.

“I have heard nothing to convince me that allocations of motor revenue are right or wrong,” Mr Goosman said. “Some counties, boroughs,, of even cities, cannot remain on a fixed percentage.” He Said he hoped that a needs survey, which the National Roads Board had asked for from local authorities, would provide some iolution and a basis for equitable distribution of funds. In 1959, the distribution of motor revenue had been fixed at 51 per cent to State highways, 30 per cent, to counties, and 14 per cent, to municipalities.

Municipalities, especially, claimed that 14 per cent, was not a fair share, said Mr Goosman.

“Again, replying to representatives of municipalities, I am left with the opinion that there is no basis for comparison. Conditions and circumstances are so different.”