The Editor,
It is difficult for many to understand why government perpetuates the view that the roads’ problem, state and nationally, can only be solved by spending more and more on improving the roads’ system.
It has to be recognised that all road works have to be carried out to cater for heavy road vehicle needs, freight and passenger, long distance included.
It also has to be recognised, that the funding of roads is really a political issue which ignores the fact that the better roads are made the more they are used. There is a consequence to this; an increase in maintenance and other exponential costs to the economy is unavoidable.
When will rail infrastructure be repaired, including those many closed railway lines nation – wide, such that their use will be not viewed as part of an economic enterprise?
At present the user pays for all costs associated with railway lines. Currently, closed lines have to be proven to be profitable from future use before any work is carried out or money is spent to re- open them. This contrasts markedly with funding the roads system, which is always on a basis of need.
While this disparity in the view of transport infrastructure persists, the cost of roads will continue to bleed the nation’s economy.
It is strange that NRMA doesn’t appear to recognise this dilemma, either.
It will be even stranger if this letter were to be published in the NRMA’s, OPEN ROAD.
Yours sincerely,
Bill Barwood