The government plans to pass legislation that will transfer the transport planning and policy responsibilities from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council.
According to Transport Minister Simeon Brown, “The existing transport governance model in Auckland is falling short of meeting the expectations of the government, Auckland Council, and, most importantly, Aucklanders themselves.”
“By returning decision-making power to elected representatives, we are enabling Aucklanders to directly influence the transport policies that affect their daily lives.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, who recently proposed that the council reclaim certain functions from Auckland Transport, stated that he has fulfilled his commitment to the people of Auckland.
“The changes announced today will restore local democracy to Auckland‘s transport system by removing AT’s statutory independence and giving elected members the power to make key transport decisions.”
To facilitate the transfer of transport planning and policy responsibilities to Auckland Council, the government will enact legislation to revoke Part 4 of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, which pertains to Auckland Transport.
“It will be surgically changed in terms of significant parts of it will be removed, and it will have a very clear mandate provided by the governing body, which will determine what its specific functions are it will deliver upon,” Mayor Brown said.
Auckland Council will have six months from the passage of the bill to decide which functions Auckland Transport will retain.
Transport Minister Brown announced that the reforms will also establish a new Auckland Regional Transport Committee, which will be tasked to develop a comprehensive 30-year Integrated Transport Plan for Auckland. This plan aims to align local and national transport goals and will require approval from the Cabinet.
The Auckland Regional Transport Committee will consist of members appointed by both the council and the Government, along with an independent chair.
The change in legislation will designate Auckland Council as the road controlling authority for the region, while certain powers will be further delegated.
Minister Brown indicated that specific transport functions would be transferred to local boards, allowing communities to have a greater influence over matters such as parking policies, speed limits, and road modifications like cycleways and pedestrian crossings.
“This change ensures that transport policies have democratic legitimacy and democratic accountability – something that has been sorely lacking.”
“We’re fixing Auckland transport,” Minister Brown stated.