Submissions are being called for on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Regional Land Transport Programme, which prioritises the region's key transport projects for the next three years.

The Programme lists work the region wants undertaken during the next three years to make it easier to move around and sets out the costs for the projects.

The data compiled is based on projects submitted by the Regional Council, the region's city and district councils and the New Zealand Transport Agency to the Regional Transport Committee. Representatives of these organisations make up the Committee.

Regional Transport Committee Chair Jane Nees says the draft Programme places a high priority on economic development and maintaining existing infrastructure.

'It will set out how much money it wants allocated to services, infrastructure and facilities, as well as projects to make the region's roads safer for all users.”

She says committed funding for the construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link as a road of national significance is a substantial component of the Programme.

Bay of Plenty residents have an opportunity to give their views on the proposed priority list before Friday, May 4.

Hearings will be held in May and the final Regional Land Transport Programme will be adopted in June.

A draft copy of the Regional Land Transport Programme is available at www.boprc.govt.nz