ITS Australia applauds National Infrastructure Plan

Intelligent Transport Systems Australia has praised the National Infrastructure Plan presented to the Council of Australian Governments last week. ITS Australia Chief Executive Officer Susan Harris said this Plan recognises some realities that challenge infrastructure management in Australia and it recommends a clear set of actions to force reform in policies and processes. Among the key actions recommended in the National Infrastructure Plan are: Reform of current infrastructure funding methods; Wider appl
July 12, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Intelligent Transport Systems Australia has praised the National Infrastructure Plan presented to the Council of Australian Governments last week.

858 ITS Australia Chief Executive Officer Susan Harris said this Plan recognises some realities that challenge infrastructure management in Australia and it recommends a clear set of actions to force reform in policies and processes.

Among the key actions recommended in the National Infrastructure Plan are: Reform of current infrastructure funding methods; Wider application of user pays funding arrangements, especially but not only in the freight sector, but on the proviso that users get a say in scoping new projects; Driving better use of urban networks by  re-pricing transport to manage demand by location and time of day; Investment in public transport with more intensive service provision; Improvements to project governance and procurement to reduce the cost of developing new infrastructure.

"This document puts actions on the infrastructure agenda that were ignored previously because they are politically taboo," said Susan Harris. "Some of the issues confronted by the Plan have plagued infrastructure planning in Australia for too many years without resolution".

"ITS Australia agrees with the need to invest in additional road and public transport infrastructure and endorses the proposal to explore new funding models. To maximise returns on that investment, it is critical that ITS technologies are integrated at the outset of planning and in the delivery of new projects to ensure the best solutions are delivered," said Susan Harris.
Urban Traffic Control Charging, Tolling & RUC

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • America explores road user charging options
    November 14, 2017
    Jack Opiola casts an eye over the numerous road user charging pilots underway in the US. In the USA, congestion mitigation and improving mobility have often focused on network improvements, increased road capacity, improved public transport, high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes or ‘express lanes’ and ITS measures – all of which require political capital and major funding. Nowadays, political capital is as hard to obtain as funding because more political leaders are recognising the decline of fuel excise tax
    Read More
  • America explores road user charging options
    November 27, 2017
    Jack Opiola casts an eye over the numerous road user charging pilots underway in the US. In the USA, congestion mitigation and improving mobility have often focused on network improvements, increased road capacity, improved public transport, high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes or ‘express lanes’ and ITS measures – all of which require political capital and major funding. Nowadays, political capital is as hard to obtain as funding because more political leaders are recognising the decline of fuel excise tax in
    Read More
  • US FY 2016 budget invests heavily in ITS, infrastructure
    February 3, 2015
    Announcing President Obama’s US$94.7 billion Fiscal Year 2016 budget for the US Department of Transportation, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said, “Our budget proposal lays the foundation for a future where our transportation infrastructure meets the demands of a growing population and an economy that depends on the free flow of freight,” said Secretary Foxx. “This Administration is looking towards the horizon – the future – but to do this we need Congress’ partnership to pass a long-term reauthorisa
    Read More
  • The case for integrating urban traffic control and parking
    February 3, 2012
    Although urban traffic control and parking management are inextricably linked in so many ways, there remain fundamental differences which undermine closer integration. Car parking guidance systems can have a significant, positive impact on congestion in town and city centres, however conflicting business models still stand in the way of the more profound integration of car parking management and Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems.
    Read More

Highlighted Content