According to the news consortium Lännen Media, government plans to set up a transportation working group, primarily to look at ways to eliminate debt used to maintain road infrastructure. The committee will also consider future investments and financing methods.
The government aims to broaden the composition of the working group to include all parties present in the Parliament. This would give opposition parties a greater voice in the proposed committee.
LM reported Monday that opposition parties have initially agreed to join the working group, however the government is still finessing its mandate. Once it is ready, opposition parties will have an opportunity to comment on it.
Berner to lead working group
The government has tipped Transport Minister Anne Berner to head up the task force. Over the last couple of weeks Berner weathered heavy criticism for a plan to reform the road transport system.
It would have divested control of the road network into a separate state-owned company, and swapped vehicle taxes for a road usage fee.
The measure generated a backlash from the vehicle industry as potential buyers put purchasing decisions on hold and vehicle sales stalled.
Berner's proposal was also criticised by opposition and government MPs and was ultimately shot down.
LM reported that the decision to set up the parliamentary task force was made last week.
