The Government has spent almost $5 million promoting its Road to Zero campaign which has failed to meet four out of five targets in the last financial year according to figures released to the National party.

Transport Minister Michael Wood and then Police Minister Poto Williams launched the Road to Zero public awareness campaign in February.

“There should be zero tolerance for people being killed or seriously injured on our roads. The Road to Zero strategy is part of our plan to build the safest road system we can, and work towards zero road deaths and serious injuries,” Michael Wood said

But National’s Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown said “the Government has been taking Kiwis for a joyride, spending $4.86 million telling us about its Road to Zero campaign, but not doing anything to deliver on the targets within the strategy.

“This is an appalling waste of taxpayers’ money and is actually doing nothing to make our roads safer.

“Instead of focusing on getting things done, the Government is spraying millions of dollars on flashy ad campaigns to paper over its failings and hoping Kiwis don’t notice.

“The Government is also pushing ahead with trying to slow people down instead of fixing our roads.

“Kiwis want better roads, not slower roads – and certainly not millions wasted on advertising which does nothing for our roads at all.”