New Zealand’s “road lobby” has been under scrutiny for its tactics that mirror those of the tobacco industry, hindering transport policies that promote walking and cycling, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Otago. The study, which was published in the Journal of Transport and Health, delved into submissions made to various government consultations from 2020 to 2022 concerning transport and emissions reduction. The research focused on organizations such as the Automobile Association, Motor Industry Association, Motor Trade Association, Transport NZ, and BusinessNZ Energy Council, which were collectively labeled as the “road lobby.” Additionally, submissions from the Bus and Coach Association and Energy Resources Aotearoa were also analyzed.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Alice Miller, a PhD student in public health at Otago University, highlighted that the “road lobby” predominantly advocates for road-based transport policies. These organizations are proponents of initiatives that prioritize driving, transporting freight via trucks, investing in road infrastructure and EV-charging infrastructure, as well as supporting biofuels or hydrogen investment. However, they tend to oppose policies that promote active and public transport, which have significant health benefits, according to Dr. Miller. Instead, they often focus on individual behavior change interventions to educate people about vehicle emissions.
Dr. Miller noted that the “road lobby” groups tend to shift the responsibility for reducing emissions from the industry to individuals, diverting attention from the harmful impact of the vehicles they manufacture. In a similar vein to industries like tobacco lobbyists, these groups strategically frame their arguments to resist policies that do not align with their interests. By emphasizing individual actions and consumer choices, they detract from the need for systemic changes at a company or industry level. This approach is particularly evident when it comes to discussions around road safety and the allocation of resources for road infrastructure.
Circular Arguments and Policy Implications
The study revealed a recurring pattern of circular arguments employed by the “road lobby” to maintain the status quo in transport policies. While expressing nominal support for walking and cycling, these groups often contend that current infrastructure inadequacies make it unfeasible for people to rely on alternative modes of transport. At the same time, they resist reallocating funding or road space from cars to walking, cycling, or public transport, citing the need to prioritize road safety outcomes. This circular reasoning effectively stymies any meaningful shift away from private vehicle reliance.
Dr. Miller emphasized that these tactics employed by the “road lobby” echo those used by other powerful industries, such as tobacco, junk food, or alcohol, to thwart policies that challenge their interests. The policies that the “road lobby” objects to are primarily those aimed at transitioning away from cars and trucks towards increased walking and cycling, which not only have positive public health implications but also contribute significantly to emissions reduction. Policymakers are urged to scrutinize the vested interests of different stakeholders in transport policy decisions, emphasizing the need to prioritize sustainable and health-promoting initiatives.
Responses from Industry Organizations
Following the publication of the study, RNZ reached out to the organizations identified as part of the “road lobby” for their responses. While most of these organizations denied any resemblance to the tobacco industry and reiterated their commitment to emissions reduction, they defended their advocacy for their respective members and the wider public. Organizations like the Motor Trade Association, BusinessNZ Energy Council, and the Automobile Association refuted the study’s comparisons, highlighting their support for low-carbon fuels and technologies as well as their members’ preferences for private vehicles.
Despite the pushback from these industry organizations, the University of Otago study sheds light on the underlying dynamics influencing transport policies in New Zealand. By uncovering the tactics used by the “road lobby” to preserve the dominance of road-based transport, the study underscores the importance of critically evaluating the interests at play in shaping sustainable and health-conscious transportation strategies. As the debate over transport policies continues, it is vital for policymakers to consider the broader public health implications and prioritize initiatives that support emissions reduction and promote active modes of transport. The full study conducted by the University of Otago is available online for further exploration and analysis.