Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Local road spending claim denied

Updated at 8:12 am on 19 August 2012

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says claims the Government is neglecting local roads at the expense of new highways are not true.

More than $10 billion is to be spent on seven roads deemed of national significance over the next decade.

But Local Government New Zealand says an increase of 2% for local road maintenance and renewal in the next three years will lead to a drop in maintenance.

However, Mr Brownlee says local roads are adequately funded.

While 29% of transport spending in the next three years will go on new and improved highway infrastructure, he says 26% will be spent on local roads.

More on this can be heard on Insight

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