They want new investments but don't see the roads in ruins. Drivers demand change
The Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) warns that the condition of county roads in Norway will continue to deteriorate. The organization points out that the revised national budget does not include additional funds where the needs are greatest.
According to NAF, the government should allocate significantly more money to county roads.
Fot. NAF
Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg has presented a proposal for the revised national budget. According to NAF, the government has not provided additional funding for county roads. The organization believes that at least NOK 500 million should be allocated for this purpose.
No additional funds for the regions
NAF assesses that without new funds, the regions will not be able to maintain the roads in the worst condition. These are routes used daily by residents. The organization points to commitments from the national transport plan. According to NAF, at least NOK 500 million was needed to fulfill them.
Ingunn Handagard, head of NAF's press department, says the needs are very high. She points to repairs and landslide protection. According to NAF, the announced larger frameworks for regions and municipalities next year will not change the situation of road budgets. The organization claims that little will be left for improving safety and crisis preparedness on county roads.
Ingunn Handagard, head of NAF's press department, says the needs are very high. She points to repairs and landslide protection. According to NAF, the announced larger frameworks for regions and municipalities next year will not change the situation of road budgets. The organization claims that little will be left for improving safety and crisis preparedness on county roads.
The organization believes that money should go not only to new investments, but also to improving the condition of existing routes.Photo: Shutterstock, via: OFV
Government increases funding for national roads
In the revised budget, the government is once again increasing spending on national roads. Similar decisions have also been made in recent years. This time, the additional amount is NOK 603.3 million. The money is to be used, among other things, for tunnel modernization and measures to strengthen crisis preparedness.
NAF emphasizes that increased spending on road maintenance and operation is in line with the organization's position. Handagard points out that the renovation of dangerous tunnels should have been carried out earlier. However, she adds that a similar approach should apply to roads for which the state is not directly responsible. According to NAF, the problem especially concerns county roads.
NAF emphasizes that increased spending on road maintenance and operation is in line with the organization's position. Handagard points out that the renovation of dangerous tunnels should have been carried out earlier. However, she adds that a similar approach should apply to roads for which the state is not directly responsible. According to NAF, the problem especially concerns county roads.
Further decisions regarding funding for county roads now depend on work in the Storting. NAF expects parliament to ensure the implementation of previous government promises. The organization also points to the need to raise funding to a level that will allow the county road network to be maintained in stable technical condition.
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