Meeting of the Regional Transport Committee
Date: Friday 15 August 2014
Time: 10.15am
Venue: |
Council Chamber Hawke's Bay Regional Council 159 Dalton Street NAPIER |
Agenda
Item Subject Page
1. Welcome/Notices/Apologies
2. Conflict of Interest Declarations
3. Short Term Replacements for the Regional Transport Committee 3
4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee held on 16 May 2014
5. Matters Arising from Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee held on 16 May 2014
6. Follow-ups from Previous Regional Transport Committee Meetings 5
7. Call for any Minor Items Not on the Agenda 9
Decision Items
8. Development of the Regional Land Transport Plan 11
9. Notice of Requirement for Whakatu Arterial Link 21
Information or Performance Monitoring
10. Regional Public Transport Plan 25
11. Transport Manager's Report 27
12. NZTA Central Region - Regional Director's Report 39
13. Roadsafe Update Report 47
14. Verbal Reports from Advisors
15. Minor Items Not on the Agenda 67
Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Short Term Replacements for the Regional Transport Committee
INTRODUCTION
1. Council has made allowance in the terms of reference of the Committee for short term replacements to be appointed to the Committee where the usual member/s cannot attend.
2. That __________________________ be appointed as member/s of the Regional Transport Committee of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council for the meeting of Friday, 15 August 2014 as short term replacement(s) on the Committee for _______________________.
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Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
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Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Follow-ups from Previous Regional Transport Committee Meetings
INTRODUCTION
1. Attachment 1 is a list of items raised at previous Regional Transport Committee meetings that require action or follow-up. All follow-up items indicate who is responsible for each item, when it is expected to be completed and a brief status comment. Once the items have been completed and reported to the Committee they will be removed from the list.
DECISION MAKING PROCESS
2. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that as this report is for information only and no decision is required in terms of the Local Government Act’s provisions, the decision making procedures set out in the Act do not apply.
1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the “Follow-ups from Previous Regional Transport Committee Meetings” report.
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Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
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Follow ups from previous RTC meetings |
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Follow ups from previous RTC meetings |
Attachment 1 |
Follow-ups from Previous Regional Transport Committee Meetings
Meeting Held 16 May 2014
Item |
Action |
Person Responsible |
Due Date |
Status Comment |
GPS Development |
Have input into development of the GPS |
Transport Manager /NZTA |
June 2014 |
The draft GPS was released for stakeholder comment in late June. A suggested submission has been emailed to members for comment and will be tabled at this meeting. Submissions closed on 11 August. |
Follow Ups |
A letter of support outlining the concerns of the Committee in regard to the funding issues of sealing of SH38 be forwarded to Mayor Little for inclusion in his letter to the Minister of Transport |
Transport Manager |
Immediate |
Completed. |
Follow Ups |
Chair to liaise with TA mayors and write to Minster of Transport regarding driver licence testing issues in small towns |
Chair/Transport Manager |
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A regional meeting has been held about this issue. A verbal report on the meeting will be given by Mayor Craig Little, Wairoa District Council |
Transport Funding Issues – Implications for the Hawke’s Bay Region |
Provide a summary of transport expenditure in the Hawke’s Bay region over the last five financial years |
New Zealand Transport Agency |
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A report will be tabled at the meeting. |
Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Call for any Minor Items Not on the Agenda
Reason for Report
1. Under standing orders, SO 3.7.6:
“Where an item is not on the agenda for a meeting,
(a) That item may be discussed at that meeting if:
(i) that item is a minor matter relating to the general business of the local authority; and
(ii) the presiding member explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public, that the item will be discussed at the meeting; but
(b) No resolution, decision, or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer that item to a subsequent meeting of the local authority for further discussion.”
2. The Chairman will request any items councillors wish to be added for discussion at today’s meeting and these will be duly noted, if accepted by the Chairman, for discussion as the final Agenda Item.
That the Regional Transport Committee accepts the following minor items not on the agenda, for discussion: 1. |
Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
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Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Development of the Regional Land Transport Plan
Reason for Report
1. This report is to discuss and agree on
1.1. the key strategic focus for the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP, the Plan); and
1.2. the regional objectives and policies to be included in the Plan
1.3. a significance policy for the Plan
Background
2. The Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA) was amended in 2013 and now requires regional councils to prepare and approve an RLTP every six years. This plan replaces the Regional Land Transport Strategy and the Regional Land Transport Programme and sets the strategic direction for land transport for the region for at least ten years, as well as forming the region’s funding application to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for six years.
3. The full requirements for and content of the Plan are contained in Sections 14 and 16 of the LTMA. The Plan must be consistent with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2015/16 -2024/25 (GPS 2015), a draft of which was released for consultation in late June.
4. The final Plan must be adopted by the regional council no later than 30 April 2015.
5. A timeline for the preparation of the plan was presented to the committee at the May meeting. It is expected that the draft Plan will be released for public consultation in November 2014.
Strategic Direction for the Plan
6. Under Section 16(1) of the LTMA, the Plan must set out the region’s land transport objectives, policies and measures for at least ten financial years.
7. The strategic direction for the draft GPS 2015 is for economic growth and productivity, road safety and value for money, which is consistent with GPS 2012.
8. As 80% of the National Land Transport Fund for 2015-18 is already committed to existing projects, there is limited discretionary funding available. A key focus is therefore on maximising the value of existing investments, i.e. making the best possible use of the existing network and services.
9. After discussion of the region’s existing transport strategy focus at the May meeting, it was decided to use the Investment Logic Mapping process to re-visit the region’s strategic priorities. A workshop was therefore held on 21 July.
10. The workshop ( attended by RTC and TAG members) identified the following key issues for the region:
a. Parts of the transport system lack capability affecting economic productivity, safety and social development ( 60% weighting )
Freight in and out of the Hawke’s Bay region is projected to grow by 50% by 2042 (National Freight Demand Study, Ministry of Transport, 2014) and the Port of Napier is predicting 50% cumulative growth in both imports and exports over the next ten years, with 37% growth already having occurred over the last five years.
There are a number of pinch points on the Heretaunga Plains which have been previously identified as constraints on network efficiency, particularly for the movement of freight to and from the Port of Napier. Some of these have already been programmed in the 2012-15 Regional Land Transport Programme and are either underway or awaiting further investigation. A Government announcement in July 2014 has provided funding to bring forward an investigation into access to the Port of Napier.
However, the catchment area for the Port of Napier extends well beyond the boundaries of the Hawke’s Bay region and it is vitally important that the region works with its neighbouring regions to ensure that freight routes are operating as efficiently as possible. While some of the State Highway links in and out of the region are HPMV and/or 50MAX capable, others have constraints which prevent this capability. There are also a large number of local road connections which need to be upgraded to this standard to ensure that full use can be made of HPMV. In order to function effectively for freight, routes must be efficient from start to end.
There are also concerns about future safety, level of service and resilience issues on State Highway 2 between Napier and Gisborne, as heavy traffic on the route is predicted to increase due to forest harvests. This corridor is serviced only by road, as the rail line was mothballed eighteen months ago. We need to ensure we have accurate information on the scale of this increase in order to plan for it so that resilience and travel time issues do not adversely affect the Wairoa District, and constrain social and economic development. Opportunities for growth in tourism in the Urewera National Park may be limited by these issues and by the fact that State Highway 38 to Lake Waikaremoana remains unsealed.
Six of the 100 most dangerous intersections in New Zealand are located in Hawke’s Bay. While planning for improvements is underway for most of these, only two have works already programmed. We need to ensure that planning proceeds to implementation as soon as possible.
We also need to monitor and plan for demographic change in the region to ensure that transport access and services are appropriate to changing needs and that our transport system facilitates social wellbeing. Our population is aging and already has a higher median age and a higher proportion of people over 65 than for New Zealand as a whole. Declining populations in rural towns such as Wairoa will result in withdrawal of further services from these areas and can reduce the viability of such transport services as do exist, as well as reducing the ratepayer base able to pay for road maintenance, improvements and services. The coverage and frequency of public transport in the main cities has significantly increased over the last five years, resulting in good patronage growth, and there is no identified unmet demand at present. However, this level of service should be monitored to ensure that it continues to meet needs effectively and efficiently.
Tourism is increasingly important to the Hawke’s Bay regional economy and we need to manage freight traffic to minimise conflicts with the region’s tourism industry. Linked to this is Hawke’s Bay’s new-found status as a centre for safe recreational cycling. The extensive network of safe cycling routes is changing the commuting habits of local residents and drawing large numbers of tourists to Hawke’s Bay. To maximise this contribution to the local economy and the health and wellbeing of its residents, the region is preparing a regional cycle plan and intends to further develop the cycle network, promote Hawke’s Bay as the best region for cycling in New Zealand and encourage more residents to cycle for transport.
b. A limited shared view of cross-boundary transport issues increases the risk of sub-optimal investment in and management of the network (30%)
This issue is closely linked with the one above. The Hawke’s Bay transport system is part of a much wider social and economic catchment area, much of which connects to the Port or other key transport or land use hubs. The region needs to work closely with neighbouring regions to ensure that issues are jointly managed. As an example, large forests soon to be harvested in the Tararua district (Horizons region) will traverse Central Hawke’s Bay roads to access the Port. The two regions need to jointly plan for this so that funding can be allocated where needed and freight efficiency is maximised.
c. How people use the transport network is leading to an unacceptable level of deaths and serious injuries (20%).
The region’s level of deaths and serious injuries from road crashes per kilometre remains unacceptably high. While there are a number of blackspot crash locations in the region, planning is underway to address many of these and crash causes are in many cases due to driver behaviour. Principal causes are speed, loss of control in rural areas, alcohol and young drivers. Using the Safe System approach, the region must collectively decide how best to address this issue.
Discussion
11. These issues are largely consistent with the principal strategic direction set in the Regional Land Transport Strategy in 2012, which was to “improve the economic efficiency, effectiveness and safety of the routes servicing the region’s economic production centres and in particular, transport routes to and from the Port of Napier”. As the highest priority improvements identified at that time on the Heretaunga Plains are already largely underway, the region now needs to focus on ensuring maximum efficiency and safety throughout the catchment area of the Port. Close cooperation with neighbouring regions is therefore vital.
Objectives and Policies for the Plan
12. The Land Transport Management Act requires that when preparing the Plan, the RTC must set out the region’s land transport objectives, policies and measures for at least ten years.
13. Activities which are put forward for funding must be assessed against the policy or objective to which they contribute.
14. The activities or measures that will be used to address these objectives through the RLTP are under development and will be discussed with the Committee at a workshop (proposed date 17 October) before the draft RLTP is approved for consultation at the November meeting.
15. Proposed objectives and policies for the issues are set out below. These have been kept as simple and concise as possible to reflect the key strategic direction described above. While there are other transport issues in the region which will be addressed through the Plan, these reflect the proposed major focus for the next six years.
1. A safe, resilient and efficient transport system that supports the development of our economy and contributes to social wellbeing in our community
We aim to achieve this by
i. planning effectively for growth and economic productivity on the strategic network.
ii. cooperating closely with neighbouring regions to ensure that the transport network serving the Port of Napier’s catchment area is as safe, efficient and resilient as possible.
iii. focussing on the capability of the local road network to ensure effective end to end journeys, with a particular focus on High Productivity Motor Vehicle capability
iv. continuing to invest in cycling in Hawke’s Bay for tourism, health and liveability
v. monitoring and responding to the changing demographics of the region to ensure that transport needs are met effectively.
vi. Ensuring that transport solutions provide the best possible outcome for the investment
2. A reduction in the risk of death or serious injuries on Hawke’s Bay roads
We aim to achieve this by
i. Targeting programmes aimed at changing network user behaviour in regard to speed, rural loss of control, young drivers and alcohol
ii. Prioritising and remedying network deficiencies according to risk
iii. Avoiding conflict between transport modes wherever possible.
iv. Ensuring that transport solutions provide the best possible outcome for the investment
Significance Policy for the RLTP
16. The Land Transport Management Act requires the region to develop a significance policy which sets out
i. which activities must be prioritised in the RLTP
ii. which activities have inter-regional significance
iii. what constitutes significant expenditure on transport activities from sources other than the National Land Transport Fund
iv. what constitutes a significant variation to the Plan, thereby triggering the need for further consultation.
17. A draft significance policy is shown at Attachment 1 and draws heavily on guidance prepared by the New Zealand Transport Agency. The aim of the policy is to allow sufficient leeway for the Committee to decide when it is in the public interest for an activity to be highlighted in the Plan, but at the same time reduce unnecessary re-work and public confusion.
Decision Making Process
18. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:
18.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.
18.2. The use of the special consultative procedure is not prescribed by legislation, although it may be used when the draft Regional Land Transport Plan is consulted on in late 2014.
18.3. The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.
18.4. The persons affected by this decision are all ratepayers in the region.
18.5. Options that have been considered include maintaining the strategic focus set in the Regional Land Transport Strategy 2012-2042.
18.6. The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.
18.7. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, Council can exercise its discretion and make a decision without consulting directly with the community or others having an interest in the decision.
That the Regional Transport Committee: 1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided. 2. Approves the proposed key strategic focus for the Regional Land Transport Plan, with any amendments 3. Approves the proposed objectives and policies to reflect the strategic focus of the Regional Land Transport Plan, with any amendments 4. Approves the proposed significance policy for the Regional Land Transport Plan, with any amendments. |
Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
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Draft RLTP Significance Policy |
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Draft RLTP Significance Policy |
Attachment 1 |
1 Purpose of the Policy
Section 106(2) of the Land Transport Management Act 2003 (the Act) requires the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) to adopt a policy that determines significance in respect of
1. the activities that are included in the regional land transport plan under section 16 of the Act; and
2. variations made to regional land transport plans under section 18D of the Act.
2 Application of the Policy
The policy will be used in the following ways
1. To determine which activities are significant for the purposes of prioritisation in the plan.
(Section 16(3)(d) requires the RTC to determine the order of priority of significant activities that it includes in the plan.)
2. To determine inter-regional significance.
(Section 16(2)(d) requires the RTC to identify any activities that have inter-regional significance)
3. To identify regionally significant expenditure from other sources
(Section 16(2)(c) requires the plan to include all regionally significant expenditure on land transport activities to be funded from other sources.)
4. To determine whether a variation to the plan is significant and therefore must be consulted on.
(Section 18D requires that significant variations to the plan undergo a public consultation process)
3 Determination of a significant activity for prioritisation
For the purpose of section 16(3)(d) of the Act, a significant activity is any activity put forward by an approved organisation (including the NZ Transport Agency) that:
· is a large new improvement project that is greater than or equal to $5 million in total value ( including property purchase) or
· is an improvement activity greater than or equal to $5 million in total value that has a high level of risk; or
· any activity that is not consistent with NZTA’s Planning and Investment Principles; or
· any other activity that the RTC considers to be regionally significant
For clarity, a large new improvement project excludes:
· committed activities (existing commitments arising from approved activities)
· business as usual activities - local road and state highway maintenance and renewals, local road and state highway minor capital works (<$5 million) and existing public transport services
· other activities costing less than $5 million
4 Determination of inter-regional significance
For an activity to have inter-regional significance under section 16(2)(d) it must:
· meet the criteria for a significant activity outlined in this policy; and
· impact on inter-regional connections; and/or
· require cooperation with other regions
5 Determination of regionally significant expenditure from other sources
For the purposes of Section 16(2)(c), regionally significant expenditure from sources other than the national land transport fund is any expenditure greater than $5 million on individual transport activities, (whether the activities are included in the Plan or not) including
· financial expenditure by Approved Organisations
· in-kind donations of goods and/or services
· third party contributions.
6 Determination of significance of a variation
The Regional Land Transport Plan can be varied at any time once operative. In accordance with section 18D of the Act, consultation will be required on a variation if the variation is significant.
Certain activities that do not require a variation
Certain activities do not require a variation to the Regional Land Transport Plan(Section 18D of the Act:
Activities proposed by an approved organisation relating to:
· local road maintenance
· local road renewals
· local road minor capital works; and
· existing public transport services
The RTC has adopted the following definition to determine when a variation to the Regional Land Transport Plan is significant and must therefore undergo consultation.
All variations to the Regional Land Transport Plan other than the following are considered to be significant for the purposes of consultation:
· Activities that are in the urgent interest of public safety; or
· New preventative maintenance and emergency reinstatement activities; or
· The new activity has been previously consulted on and meets funding approval provisions in accordance with sections 18 and 20 of the Act; or
· A scope change that does not significantly alter the original objectives of the project – to be determined by the RTC; or
· Variations to timing, cash flow or total cost for improvement projects
· Replacement of activities within an approved programme (eg maintenance programme) or group with activities of the same type and general priority; or
· A change to the duration and/or order of priority of the activity that does not substantially change the balance of the programme.
Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Notice of Requirement for Whakatu Arterial Link
Reason for Report
1. To consider a draft letter of support as a submission to the Notice of Requirement for Designation for the Whakatu Arterial Link.
Background
2. The Whakatu Arterial Link is the highest priority project identified in the Regional Land Transport Programme 2012-15 and the Regional Transport Committee recommended that it proceed using the region’s R funds.
3. The project will facilitate freight efficiency and productivity by providing an efficient transport route to and from the Whakatu Industrial Area, as well as promoting the use of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway for transport between Whakatu and the Port of Napier. It will also provide Havelock North residents with a safe, efficient link to the Expressway.
4. Hastings District Council has now issued a Notice of Requirement for Designation for the project and it is suggested that the Committee should submit a letter in support of the high regional strategic fit of this project. A draft letter of support is shown at Attachment 1.
Decision Making Process
5. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:
5.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.
5.2. The use of the special consultative procedure is not prescribed by legislation.
5.3. The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance
5.4. (The persons affected by this decision are road users in the region
5.5. Options that have been considered include doing nothing
5.6. The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.
5.7. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, Council can exercise its discretion and make a decision without consulting directly with the community or others having an interest in the decision.
That the Regional Transport Committee : 1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided. 2. Approves the draft letter of support, subject to any amendments
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Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
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Draft letter Whakatu Arterial Link Notice of Requirement |
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Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Regional Public Transport Plan
Reason for Report
1. This report is to inform the Committee of requirements for the development of the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP).
Background
2. The Land Transport Management Act 2003 (LTMA) requires each regional council that intends to subsidise public transport to prepare a Regional Public Transport Plan which must be reviewed at least every three years.
3. Although these plans have been required for some time, 2013 legislation amendments represent a fundamental shift in the way in which public transport services are planned and contracted. The Plan must incorporate the requirements of the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM). PTOM is a combination of planning, funding, procurement, partnering, and incentivising tools which aim to help regions and public transport operators build stronger working relationships. PTOM is expected to improve value for money in public transport over time.
4. Under PTOM, all public transport services must be allocated into units, which must be contracted by the regional council unless they meet certain criteria for exemption. This means that even units which are able to be provided commercially (i.e. with no public subsidy) must be contracted by the Regional Council. Units are defined as one or more public transport services which the Council has identified as integral to the public transport network, that operate on the entire length of one or more routes specified in the RPTP and that include all the services operating to a timetable on that route.
5. Another key facet of PTOM is the Financial Incentive Mechanism (FIM). Councils are required to develop a FIM and include it in their RPTP. The FIM is a means of sharing with the contractor in the financial benefits of any growth in patronage or revenue, required under PTOM.
6. Other concepts include annual joint business planning (between Council and operators) and revised procedures for the procurement of public transport services.
Process for Development of the RPTP
7. The process for development of the RPTP has commenced with a review of the existing public transport network. This has given staff an understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. An early phase of public consultation in mid 2013 produced many requests and suggestions from bus users and non-users alike, and this feedback will also be taken into consideration. As early consultation with key stakeholders is a legislative requirement and given that a year has elapsed since this consultation, we intend to contact all key stakeholders again to ensure that their views have not changed.
8. As a result of this review, there are a number of suggested service improvements which may be signaled for full investigation and evaluation in the draft RPTP before it is released for consultation. However, as there is little funding available for new public transport services outside of the major metropolitan areas, these improvements would need to scheduled for investigation in later years in the Plan, when and if funds become available.
9. Such proposals include:
9.1. More direct/express services, such as between Havelock North and EIT, Havelock North and the Regional Hospital
9.2. Late night services
9.3. Extend Hastings suburban services to cover Frimley, Ebbett Park and Akina, with wider coverage between Mahora and Mayfair
9.4. Route changes to better cover residential areas – Route 14, Route 17
9.5. Route 21 extended to Summerset and the Arataki/Brookfield Road area of Havelock North
9.6. Extend Route 20 for further coverage of Flaxmere
9.7. Extend Route 14 to cover Pirimai
9.8. A service to Bay View and Whirinaki
9.9. Split Route 13 into east and west routes to provide better coverage of EIT, Taradale East and the Parklands subdivision.
9.10. Provide more infrastructure at bus stops – seats, shelters, timetable information.
10. Another step in the RPTP development process is the definition of service units for the region. This is a process which must be conducted with input from existing and potential operators, taking into consideration a number of criteria. The most likely unit configuration for the Napier and Hastings bus services is either
10.1. One unit combining all existing services; or
10.2. Three units – Napier services, Hastings services and Napier to Hastings services.
11. Unit development and a further round of stakeholder consultation will take place during August and September. The draft plan will then be prepared, work-shopped and presented to the Committee for approval for public consultation in November.
12. Under the LTMA, the RPTP must be adopted by the Regional Council by 30 June 2015. However, we are planning to prepare this plan alongside the Regional Land Transport Plan, and we therefore aim to have it completed by 30 April 2015.
Decision Making Process
13. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.
1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the report. |
Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
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Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Transport Manager's Report
Reason for Report
1. This regular report provides the Committee with a snapshot of relevant transport matters, provides updates from the Transport Advisory Group (TAG) on issues raised at their regular meetings and outlines what is coming up within the transport sector.
Current Issues
2. Update from Transport Advisory Group (TAG) Meetings. The Transport Advisory Group is made up of road asset managers, planners and staff from Approved Organisations (AOs) - NZTA, Wairoa District Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and co-ordinated by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Transport Manager. TAG meets at least quarterly and its main purpose is to support the operation of the RTC and provide co-ordinated and timely advice backed up by technical knowledge.
3. Two TAG meetings have been held in June and July. Key agenda items included
3.1. shaping the strategic direction for the Regional Land Transport Plan,
3.2. preparing a draft significance policy and set of objectives and policies for inclusion in the Regional Land Transport Plan.
3.3. preparing a submission on the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport
All these items are discussed elsewhere in the agenda.
Regional Cycling Plan
4. There has been good progress on the regional cycle plan over the last three months. The working group has prepared a draft plan which will be considered by the governance group for the project on 19 August. As there is a window of opportunity to secure funding for the Plan through council long term plans and the National Land Transport Programme, some aspects of implementation have already commenced, including Napier City Council’s consideration of a potential funding application to the NZ Transport Agency to extend the I Way project to Napier.
Regional (R) Funds Update
5. The draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2015/16-2024/25 was released in late June and makes provision for a new Regional Improvements fund of between $180 million and $270 million over three years. This will be available as a contestable fund for non-urban regions and therefore replaces the R Fund.
6. It is proposed that the fund will target investment in “regional route improvements which provide links to key freight or tourist routes.” Expected short to medium term results of this investment “include increased freight vehicle productivity across the network” and “reduced travel times and operating costs on key regional freight and tourist routes”. Further detail on the criteria for this fund is awaited, but it is possible that the above wording refers to High Productivity Motor Vehicle improvements, among other things.
One Network Road Classification Update
7. The One Network Road Classification project has three elements. The first is classifying roads into categories based on their function in the national network. This was completed in December 2013 following engagement with road controlling authorities and other stakeholders.
8. The second element is the Customer Levels of Service (CLoS), which define what the fit for purpose outcomes are for each category in terms of mobility, safety, accessibility and amenity. Provisional CLoS have been developed but they will remain provisional until they can be fully tested as detailed performance measures for the network’s operation and maintenance are developed.
9. The third element is the development of the performance measures and targets, which will effectively determine how the categories and customer levels of service translate into specific maintenance, operational and investment decisions. This work has started and consultation workshops have been held during July and early August to discuss these performance measures. The workshops have also provided guidance on how to apply the ONRC for the 2015-18 National Land Transport Programme.
10. The NZ Transport Agency has replaced the State Highway Classification system with the ONRC and has reclassified the State Highway network using the ONRC.
11. The state highways in our region have been re-classified as follows:
11.1. National High Volume Route – SH2Bm SH50, SH50A port and City of Napier to Hastings
11.2. National Route – SH2 – SH57 Hastings to Levin (part of Napier to Wellington)
11.3 Regional Route – SH2 Napier to Gisborne
11.4 Regional Route - SH5 Taupo to Napier
12. National Routes are roads that make the largest contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of New Zealand by connecting major population centres, major ports or international airports and have high volumes of heavy commercial vehicles or general traffic. SH2B, SH50, SH50A Port & city of Napier to Hastings are classified as National High Volume due to the high numbers of heavy commercial vehicles and the amount of freight carried on them.
13. Regional Routes make a major contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of a region and connect to regionally significant places, industries, ports or airports. They are also major connectors between regions and in urban areas may have substantial passenger transport movements.
14. By December 2014, road controlling authorities will need to have classified their networks. This will be done with the aid of a tool which extracts data from the RAMM database of network information. Three phases of moderation will be conducted to ensure that classification is undertaken consistently across the country.
Resignation Letter - Jenny Chetwynd, Regional Director Central, NZTA
15. A formal letter of resignation from the RTC has been received from Jenny Chetwynd, who has moved to another role in the New Zealand Transport Agency – refer Attachment 1. Kate Styles is acting Regional Director until an appointment is made.
Hastings District Council – Proposed Amendments to the Speed Limit Setting Bylaw and Setting of Speed Limits
16. Hastings District Council proposes amendments to its current Speed Limits Bylaw 2012 and wishes to set speed limits at levels which it previously adopted on 30 January 2014.
17. There has been public concern about the adequacy of consultation on the speed limits set in January and the appropriateness of those limits. In addition, there has been some duplication identified in the Bylaw and some inaccuracies have emerged in relation to speed limits on Chesterhope Bridge and at Waipatiki Beach. The Hastings District Council has therefore resolved to proceed with a special consultative procedure on the limits and the Bylaw.
18. A Hastings District Council representative will give a presentation on the proposals to the Committee. Submissions close on 22nd September 2014.
Submission to the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport 2015/16-2024/25
19. The draft GPS was released for public consultation in late June and submissions closed on 11 August. The draft GPS 2015 sets out the priorities, objectives and funding levels for land transport, establishing funding ranges for land transport activity classes and identifying the results expected from this investment.
20. A draft submission was circulated to RTC and TAG members for comment in early August and confirmed by email prior to the closing date. Attachment 2 contains the final submission.
Update on Priority Projects in the Regional Land Transport Programme
21. The RTC has requested a regular progress / status report on the key improvement projects in the Regional Land Transport Programme, as shown in Attachment 3.
Approved Organisations – Significant Issues and Update
22. For this section of the report each approved organisation (AO) provides a brief comment on any significant issues to the RTC.
23. NZTA – Highway Network and Operations
23.1. Pakowhai Links Road intersection - detailed design stage is progressing.
23.2. Safety Retrofit programme – HNO will request funding for next year for a group of staged safety retrofit activities, with initial works likely to be on SH2 Napier- Wairoa.
23.3. The PakiPaki SH2 intersection upgrade has been confirmed as a safety project to be funded from N and will commence construction in 2014-15.
24. Hastings District Council – as reported in the update on priority projects.
25. Napier City Council – No significant issues.
26. Wairoa District Council
26.1. Road Safety statistics in the district continue to be of major concern.
26.2. Travel time on State Highway 2 Wairoa to Napier needs to be a focus of attention.
27. Central Hawke’s Bay District Council – no significant issues.
28. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council – Public Transport Update
28.1. The overall performance of the bus service continues to be positive, with passenger growth still increasing. From January to May this year there were 8063 more passenger trips than the same period last year, an increase of 2.4%.
28.2. While passenger numbers have been increasing, the cost of operating the service has increased significantly. In order to improve the efficiency of the bus service and ensure that it operates within budget in 2014-15, it has been necessary to make some adjustments to services which will take effect on 1 September. The changes are:
- Removing The Park Hastings from the route taken by Routes 12, 16A, 16B and 17, due to low patronage. Routes 20 and 21 will continue to travel via The Park enabling passengers to transfer to or from other services if required.
- Route 12. Changing the 15 minute peak-time weekday frequency to 20 minutes. For most passengers, this will alter the arrival or departure time of their service by five minutes. Twelve overload services will continue to run on this route, ensuring that all passengers can be carried at peak times. Some adjustments have also been made to the advertised times on this route to better reflect actual arrival times.
- Route 12 - Cancelling the last trip (6.30pm) of the day due to very low patronage.
- Route 17. Cancelling the 4.15pm trip due to very low patronage, replaced by a 5.10pm trip which will be more convenient for passengers travelling home from work.
- Route 20 – minor adjustments to the afternoon timetable for operational reasons
28.3. It is expected that these changes will result in significant cost savings and better utilise the capacity of the bus fleet with minimal disruption to passengers. Along with a small fare increase from 1 September, these measures will help to ensure the public transport network operates more efficiently and within budget.
Decision Making Process
29. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.
1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the Transport Manager’s report. |
Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
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J Chetwynd NZTA Notice of resignation from RTC |
|
|
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Submission to Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2015/16-2024/25 |
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Update on priority projects in the RLTP 2012-15 |
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Attachment 3 |
Prioritised Activities for 2012-15 – RTC Update – August 2014
RTC Priority |
Organisation |
Project name and description |
NLTP Decision |
Funding source |
Indicative NLTP Funding Allocation |
Status Update |
1 |
HDC |
Whakatu Arterial Link 2012/15. |
Probable |
R |
9,221,102 (net) |
Design and Assessment of Environmental Effects phase is complete. The Notice of Requirement (NOR) application is lodged with Hastings District Council on 30th June 2014. Currently public notification has been done and the project is in the public submissions period. Hearings are scheduled for early October 2014 leading to a decision by end of October 2014. All financial data has been updated on Transport Investment Online (TIO). |
2 |
NZTA |
HB Expressway Pakowhai & Links Rd Intersection |
Probable |
R |
6,483,000 |
Progressing detailed design stage. |
3 |
NZTA |
SH2 Napier Road Intersection – proposed 3 legged roundabout as standalone project; 5 legged with Whakatu Arterial link and the reconnection of the Pilcher Road |
Probable |
R |
Proposal to transfer the project to HDC for delivery in conjunction with the Whakatu Arterial Link. |
|
4 |
NCC |
Extension to Ford Rd to connect to existing Prebensen Dr / Severn St roundabout - including extension of off road cycle/pedestrian network |
Locally funded |
3,571,441 |
Out to contract. Funded by NCC. |
|
5 |
NCC |
Four laning of Prebensen Drive between HB Expressway and Hyderabad Road |
Reserve |
R |
6,400,000 |
Currently below funding line. |
6 |
NZTA |
Prebensen Drive / Hyderabad Rd Intersection Upgrade |
Reserve |
R |
2,295,000 |
Currently below funding line. |
7 |
NZTA |
HB Expressway Kennedy Rd to Meeanee Rd - wire rope barrier to improve safety and capacity of this section of expressway (possible 4 laning) |
Reserve |
R |
162,000 |
Currently below funding line. |
9 |
NZTA |
Seismic Retrofit - treatment of various seismic retrofit and seismic linkage sites to ensure the delivery of a secure integrated network |
Probable |
R |
1,500,000 |
NZTA: No works programmed for this region. |
13 |
NZTA |
Improved Driver Information - to optimise the network by managing the movement of people and freight |
Probable |
R |
876,800 |
Awaiting confirmation of national programme. |
14 |
NZTA |
Safety Retrofit - corridor type initiatives focussed on higher risk corridors |
Probable |
R |
2,212,023 |
Expected $1,500,000 draw down on R dollars |
15 |
NZTA |
SH2/SH50A Paki Paki Junction |
N |
0 |
Zero draw down on R dollars, N funded. Proposed construction 2014/15. |
|
16 |
NZTA |
Te Mahanga Sth -Passing Lane |
Now N funded |
N |
0 |
Completed. |
21 |
NZTA |
Property Acquisition Block and Fees - Hawke's Bay |
Probable |
2,812,500 |
Expected zero draw down on R dollars |
Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: NZTA Central Region - Regional Director's Report
Reason for Report
1. This item introduces the NZTA Central Region Regional Director’s report as provided in Attachment 1.
Decision Making Process
2. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.
1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the Regional Director’s report. |
Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
|
NZTA Regional Director's Report |
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|
NZTA Regional Director's Report |
Attachment 1 |
Report to: |
Hawke’s Bay Regional Transport Committee |
Presenter: |
Lyndon Hammond, Regional Manager |
Date: |
15 August 2014 |
1. Agency News |
Draft Government Policy Statement released by Ministry
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) sets out the Government priorities for the land transport sector and guides the Agency in the development of the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). The draft GPS 2015 looks ahead 10 years from 2015/16 and was released for consultation by the Ministry of Transport last month. The draft GPS continues the Government’s prioritisation of economic growth and productivity, road safety and value for money. It has several new features:
· It establishes national objectives for the land transport system as a whole, and sets out the results expected to be delivered from the allocation of funding from the National Land Transport Fund.
· It more clearly links the investments to the desired results, and shows how these results will be measured.
· It merges some activity classes to make it easier for the Transport Agency to shift resources to the most efficient form of investment.
· It places more emphasis on reporting the measurable value delivered by investment.
In terms of funding, the draft GPS proposes:
· Increased funding for road policing, road safety promotion, and walking and cycling.
· Increased funding for state highway maintenance, local road improvements and local road maintenance.
· Replacing regional ‘R’ funding, which will expire in March 2015.
The Transport Agency has worked closely with the Ministry in the development of the GPS and the investment signals that the Agency has been communicating to RTCs and approved organisations are consistent with the priorities outlined in the draft. The draft GPS and supporting documentation can be found on the Ministry of Transport website and the period for formal engagement runs until 11 August 2014.
The Draft GPS can be viewed at:
http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/keystrategiesandplans/gpsonlandtransportfunding/gps2015/
Early Investment Signals
The Transport Agency will be releasing the next round of early investment signals in August. These investment signals will confirm the availability and content of the Investment Assessment Framework (IAF). The IAF will be available in the Planning and Investment Knowledge base and gives effect to the Government Policy Statement on Land Transportation (GPS 2015). Organisations submitting programmes for the Regional Land Transport Plan will need to assess their individual programmes and projects against the IAF.
The first early signals pack was released in November 2013, and an updated signals pack, based on the latest evidence (geospatial maps) and clearer guidance on process and timing for different RLTPs, RPTP, and AMPs programmes, was released in May 2014.
The May information pack provides clearer additional information on network issues and opportunities, expectations and guidance on optimising programmes, and expectations about including a journey approach when developing programmes. It also covers process requirements and timings for programmes.
Information on Planning for the 2015-18 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) can be found at:
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/planning/nltp-2015-2018/index.html
The last workshop for the One Network Road Classification was held in Napier on 4 August 2014. The workshop confirmed the Performance Measures and the connection between the classifications, customer levels of service and performance measures. The Transport Agency also gave clear signals on requirements for the level of inclusion of the One Network Road Classification in Asset Management Plans.
FAR review further update
As indicated in the last report the Board of the Transport Agency recently made some key decisions on Funding Assistance Rates (FAR) following consultation on the FAR Review Options Discussion Document. The decisions will come into force from the next NLTP period (2015-18). The overall NLTF co-investment rate remains at 53%. This means that across the whole programme, the NLTF will fund an average of 53% of local transport programmes.
Once transition has been completed, most councils will receive a normal funding assistance rate of 52%. The 1% difference between the average co-investment rate of 53% and the rate most councils will receive (52%), makes enough National Land Transport Fund revenue available to provide higher funding assistance to the councils that need it. There is still work to do on how to identify those councils and how to set those rates.
Subject to some transitional arrangements each approved organisation will receive one funding assistance rate. That means the same rate will be applied for all transport activities (except for emergency works and any targeted rates).
To allow Councils to adjust their activities to the new rates they will transition in over nine years (three NLTP investment periods). For the next NLTP investment period (2015-18), councils’ normal funding assistance rates will decrease by no more than 1 percentage point per year. This means if a council’s starting rate is 60%, its rate for 2015-16 will be no less than 59%, its rate for 2016-17 will be no less than 58% and its rate for 2017-18 will be no less than 57%. It also means some councils will receive larger changes during years 6-9. Conversely, any increases to normal funding assistance rates will be phased in as they become affordable.
Further decisions have been made around emergency works, targeted enhanced funding assistance rates, total mobility services, special purpose roads (including DoC and Waitangi National Trust roads), level crossings and administrations fees. The decisions have been communicated in full to councils and Regional Transport Committees.
This FAR review is part of a suite of broader policy changes and initiatives to focus the sector on key investment questions, such as being clear about the outcomes we’re seeking, the right activities to achieve that outcome, the right level of service and related standards and getting the right balance of contribution between direct land transport system users and local communities/ratepayers.
Safety: Working Together to Prevent Truck Rollover
A truck rolls over every two to three days on New Zealand roads. Truck rollovers cause deaths and serious injuries every year, not to mention the vehicle and product-loss costs that add up to tens of millions of dollars. The industry knows it has a problem, but it has struggled to reduce the number of rollover crashes. So the Transport Agency is embarking on a programme to work with the industry in helping to bring the truck rollover crash rate down – and keep it down.
The goal of the programme is to reduce the numbers to those of comparable countries – and that means we need to reduce our rate by half. As part of this work, and the safer speeds programme, we’re setting out to radically change the cornering speed of trucks on our roads.
This won’t be a simple fix – truck rollovers happen for a range of reasons, so we need to take a comprehensive approach. We’ll need to take a fresh look at speed and stability from a trucking perspective to address the issues. Some of the factors we need to consider are covered in our Stability Guide, which we’ll update as part of the project.
The programme kicked off in late June when The Agency teamed up with the Road Transport Forum, ACC and Police to champion a series of the VicRoads Rollover Prevention Programme around the country. This was an awareness building exercise – a forerunner to an extensive rollover prevention programme, which is planned for 2015.
The workshops attracted around 200 industry representatives and the feedback has been very positive. The challenge now is to maintain the momentum we’ve built and to increase industry ownership of this problem.
Online innovations to improve 50MAX uptake
The two innovations, a zoomable online map and an electronic permit application form, underline our commitment to moving more freight on fewer trucks. The introduction of a zoomable online map for 50MAX, in particular, is seen as a major improvement for operators. The new online map is a specific response to feedback from operators who found the initial mapping provisions a bit cumbersome.
The map went online in mid-May, and with many operators carrying tablet devices or smart phones, this is now the most convenient and sensible option to plan a 50MAX travel route. The new map will make it easier to pre-plan routes before taking the load, and regularly check routes that will change over time.
The second innovation benefits anyone who is applying for a 50MAX permit, be they an operator or a vehicle or trailer manufacturer. With permit numbers for the new generation of truck now nearing one thousand, applicants should be pleased with the new online application form. Introduced at the beginning of March, the new online form makes it easier to send the application and the required attachments to the Agency, for operators and manufacturers who seek permission to travel New Zealand’s roads in 50MAX trucks.
Applications for 50MAX permits are usually turned around in 48 hours, so having an electronic application process that identifies potential errors and confirms the application has been received will make the whole process easier for those who apply and for the Agency staff processing the application.
The Agency expects the 50MAX developments will show the way for other Agency permitting processes, particularly in the freight transport area.
All this will help to make road freight transport more efficient and safer for New Zealand. We have very high safety standards for 50MAX and other HPMVs, including increased resistance to rollover and the inclusion of electronic braking systems. And it is particularly pleasing that quite a number of operators are investing in additional safety measures, such as speed limiting, GPS monitoring, weight load cells and Electronic Stability Control.
2. Central Region Events |
Changes in the Regional Director role in Central Region
Jenny Chetwynd has resigned the Central Regional Director position to take up a new role in the Transport Agency’s National Office. The Agency is in the final stages of recruiting a permanent replacement for the Central Regional Director role. In the meantime Kate Styles is Acting Regional Director and Lyndon Hammond will be acting as the Central contact for all RTC meetings.
Road Safety In Hawke’s Bay
The downward trend of accidents in the Hawke’s Bay region is pleasing with 500 fewer crashes reported in 2013 than reported 5 years ago. In 2009 1560 crashes were recorded over the Hawke’s Bay region, in 2013 1048 crashes were reported.
In 2013 the social cost of crashes in the Hawke’s bay region was $146,702M.
Road safety issues of greatest concern within the Hawke’s Bay Region are:
· Alcohol and or drugs Hastings, Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa
· Rural loss of control Hastings and Wairoa
· Intersections Hastings
· Speed and too fast for conditions Hastings and Wairoa
· Young drivers Hastings and Wairoa
· Motorcycles Hastings
· Cyclists Hastings
There has been a notable reduction (45%) in alcohol related crashes in the past 5 years. The Transport Agency will continue to work with you to embed the Safe System approach to ensure that the reduction in the number of people who are killed or maimed on our roads is permanent.
Accelerated Roading Package
Recently the Ministry of Transport announced an accelerated regional roading package which includes funding for the investigation and design of a package of state highway and local road projects to improve access to the Port of Napier has been included.
3. Delivery of the National Land Transport Programme |
National Land Transport Programme
The regional funding balance has not changed since the last report however of the available $72,683,888, there is a total of $ 25,566,493 million of uncommitted R funds in the NLTP for expenditure in the Hawke’s Bay Region. The planned Whakatu Arterial and Expressway/Pakowhai Links projects will consume much of this allocation along with seismic and safety retrofitting programmed work and also property acquisition.
Final claims for the 2003/14 financial year made by approved organisations in the Hawke’s Bay Region were:
Hawke’s Bay Highways and Networks $24.036 M
Wairoa District Council $11.252M
Hastings District Council $19.595M
Napier City Council $ 6.560M
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council $12.213M
Total expenditure in Hawke’s Bay: $73.656M
Approved organisations were prompt in submitting their final end or year claims within the set time frames.
There has recently been more damage to network as a result of severe weather, in the Wairoa District. The Agency is working with Councils in its development of emergency works programmes.
.
Upgrading of existing and the development of new passing opportunities on SH2 between Wairoa and Napier is completed. This work has been funded from the $4 million special allocation following the announcement of the mothballing of the Hawke’s Bay to Gisborne railway line last year.
State Highway Programme
Putting Customers at the Heart of our Business |
Commentary/Details |
Accelerated Roading Package. The government announced funding for the development of the ‘Napier Port Access Package’ of work. Over the next few months we will be planning the scope and programme for the delivery of the Investigation and Design phases for this work. It is our intention to ensure the proposed outcomes are a reflection of and therefore linked to the existing strategic plans, studies and Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) workshops that have focused on the access to the Port of Napier, the regional network and its inter/intra-regional connectivity. |
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Getting the Most out of our Network Capacity |
Part of our regional Journey Manager role is an emphasis on whole of network, journey improvements – the intra and inter regional perspective. One element of this is improving the way in which we manage and inform our customers about planned and unplanned events. Our intention is to ensure that the whole of the journey is considered in the way we operate our network and communicating that information, to enable customers to make informed choices. We have already producing up-to-date information about road closures and works to freight companies and our Journey Manager is working with our neighbours to improve information sharing across our boundaries. |
Improving Freight Efficiency throughout the Region |
The July quarterly heavy transport forum again saw large numbers attending. Our focus was an update on freight efficiency; through 50 Max and HPMV developments, and project plan updates from Napier CC and the Transport Agency. Our messaging and discussion centred on promoting safer roads through good operator practices in maintenance, loading to legal weight rather than tolerance and diligent observance of posted speeds. Feedback was very positive. The next meeting scheduled immediately prior to labour weekend is intended to focus on Static Roll Threshold and has gained interest from Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne already.
The Hawke’s Bay Expressway Pakowhai Links Road Intersection Project is progressing. Land Purchase is still outstanding but going well. We are seeking Landowner sign-off before we lodge the outline plan. We are doing the detailed design and working towards starting construction enabling works towards the end of this financial year.
Our National Office team are continuing economic assessments of all submitted High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) Second Tranche proposals. The prioritised list will be distributed to respective roading managers for review once confirmed. |
Safety |
The design for the Minor Safety Construction Program for this financial year (14/15) is progressing well and it is expected to commence construction late August/early September. This will include a number of barriers on SH2 between Wairoa and Napier, Glengarry Hill, Tarawera and Te Aute, as well as seal widening at Drumpeel Rd and on the section of road from the SH2/SH5 junction to Bayview.
Safety Retrofit work has been evaluated and the list has been shortened to sites that have identified safety deficiencies – such as seal widening for crash reduction or upgrading redundant guardrail design. A contract is expected to be let towards the end of the year - subject to funding.
We have four of the national top 100 high-risk intersections on our region’s State Highways. The following improvements are underway.
· Kennedy Rd Off Ramp. High cyclist crash rate - already addressed through the introduction of a sight-reduction fence to concentrate motorists’ vision to a point closer to the intersection. · Design of Pakipaki intersection has been completed and it is expected that the contract will be advertised in early August 2014. · Design of the SH50/Pakowhai/Links Rds. As described in Improving Freight Efficiency. · Meeanee Quay/Watchman Rd/Airport intersection area. We intend to promote the SH2B/Watchman Rd/Meeanee Quay intersection into the RLTP. In the meantime we have been progressing the strategic case with our partners including the Department of Conservation and the Westshore Residents Association. |
Lyndon Hammond |
Regional Manager Planning and Investment |
6 August 2014 |
Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Roadsafe Update Report
Reason for Report
1. This is to be a regular report that provides the Committee with a snapshot of road safety activities that are being undertaken under the Road Safety Action Plans and as necessary will brief the Committee on any current or upcoming issues relevant to road safety.
Background
2. There are a number of strategic documents that provide the direction for the Road Safety Activities. These include:
2.1. Government Policy Statement for Land Transport 2012
2.2. Safer Journeys 2020
2.3. Communities at Risk Register
2.4. NZTA Briefing Notes
2.5. NZ Police Strategies
2.6. RoadSafe HB Strategic Plan (2013-16).
3. The current Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (GPS) expands on the strategic direction set out in the Safer Journeys 2020 strategy and continues the government’s strong focus on removing bottlenecks, encouraging economic growth and productivity and improving road safety.
4. Road safety incorporates a range of elements including network improvement, road policing, and education and awareness. Roadsafe HB and the road safety action plans focus on education and awareness programmes in co-ordination with road policing activities and proposed network improvements.
Regional Police Focus
5. The Eastern Police District Road Policing Focus is to ensure the Safer Journeys Strategies are fully co-ordinated across the functional Areas of Hawkes Bay and Tairawhiti (Gisborne). The expectation will be that the 'fatal five' categories of Speed, Alcohol, Restraints, High Risk Drivers and Distracted (cell phone/fatigue) will feature heavily across the District as operational tasks.
6. New technology will be incorporated into the focus areas with new static speed cameras, being placed around the region, more coloured Highway Patrol vehicles and additional unmarked vehicles. Coupled to these will be a mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) vehicle and new Bio-metrics identification procedures fitted to the Booze-bus allowing real time identification of offending vehicles and offenders.
7. The Police will work hard with partner agencies to co-ordinate activities and highly publicise them in an effort to keep the 'Road Safety is everyone's responsibility' message at the forefront of community awareness.
Regional Road Safety Priority Issues for 2014-15
8. RoadSafe Hawke’s Bay is part of a road safety group that develops and implements road safety education opportunities that support the national and regional strategic documents listed above. The overall goal is to work towards: “A safe road system increasingly free of death and serious injury” (Safer Journeys 2020).
9. Partners include NZ Police, NZTA Traffic Safety Engineers, HB District Health Board, ACC, district and city council transport staff and other associated groups. By working in partnership, the intention is to develop road safety programmes that focus on the region’s priority issues and support the intended outcomes identified in the strategic documents. In this way the reach and scope of the activities are increased and capitalise on the expertise of the partners.
10. The Regional Road Safety Priority Issues for 2014-15 are:
10.1. Central Hawke’s Bay
10.1.1. Alcohol & Drugs
10.2. Hastings District
10.2.1. Alcohol & Drugs
10.2.2. Intersections
10.2.3. Motorcycles
10.2.4. Loss of Control Rural Roads – Head on
10.2.5. Speed
10.2.6. Young Drivers
10.2.7. Cyclists
10.3. Wairoa
10.3.1. Alcohol and Drugs
10.3.2. Loss of Control Rural Roads – Head on
10.3.3. Speed
10.3.4. Young Drivers
Funding
11. The Roadsafe Hawke’s Bay programme is funded from three sources:
11.1. HBRC targeted rate
11.2. Territorial Authority contribution (Wairoa District Council, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council)
11.3. NZTA
12. The 2014-15 budget has been significantly reduced due to the lack of local share funding available from other sources. While funds will continue to be targeted to high risk issues, activities will be tailored to the reduced funding level.
Activities May 2014-August 2014
13. Staff Work Plans will be signed off ready for implementation by19 August 2014. These will focus on the key road safety priority issues for Hawkes Bay.
14. Staff will review a major project from the 2013-2014 road safety programme to determine effectiveness and that it achieved the desired outcomes.
15. Work plans have been developed to work in partnership with the Road Safety Coordinators and Police from surrounding regions that share our network. These will include fatigue/alcohol checkpoints based around long and event weekends, as well as truck health & safety checkpoints. These activities will also include the Road Transport Association, CVIU and Traffic Police.
Road Safety Statistics
16. The Quarterly Outcomes Report for 1 April to 30 June 2014 shows how we are tracking regionally and nationally against the Safer Journeys strategy areas of concern - Attachment 1.
17. Detailed information about the road safety statistics and trends for our region is available on the following webpages.
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/crash-analysis-reports/statistical-statements.html
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/crash-analysis-reports/briefing-notes.html
http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/crash-analysis-reports/trends.html
18. The following table from the NZTA website updates road fatalities by local government region each week.
Weekly road deaths update by Local Government Region as at midnight Monday, 28 July 2014
Local Government Region |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
Northland |
15 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
9 |
Auckland |
32 |
31 |
26 |
29 |
22 |
Waikato |
40 |
38 |
27 |
20 |
30 |
Bay of Plenty |
26 |
8 |
12 |
10 |
17 |
Gisborne & Hawkes Bay |
14 |
9 |
21 |
9 |
12 |
Taranaki |
6 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
7 |
Manawatu / Wanganui |
21 |
15 |
18 |
10 |
19 |
Wellington |
7 |
9 |
7 |
9 |
6 |
Nelson / Marlborough |
20 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
5 |
West Coast |
2 |
6 |
5 |
2 |
4 |
Canterbury |
26 |
17 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
Otago |
12 |
10 |
8 |
5 |
8 |
Southland |
6 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
8 |
Total |
227 |
159 |
165 |
145 |
167 |
Decision Making Process
19. The Committee is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.
1. That the Regional Transport Committee receives the report. |
Linda Anderson Regional Manager RoadSafe Hawke's Bay |
Anne Redgrave Transport Manager |
NZTA Quarterly Road Safety Outcomes report |
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Regional Transport Committee
Friday 15 August 2014
SUBJECT: Minor Items Not on the Agenda
Reason for Report
This document has been prepared to assist Councillors note the Minor Items Not on the Agenda to be discussed as determined earlier in Agenda Item 7.
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