"How many more trucks have to spill toxic substances into our clean green Kaikoura environment before this Government takes action?

Kaikoura MP Lynda Scott's question comes after another major trucking accident south of Kaikoura in the early hours of this morning.

"This is the second major toxic spill in as many months. I call on Transport Minister Mark Gosche to put more resources into improving South Island roads.

"The current roads are not good enough. There are no passing lanes between Blenheim and Kaikoura and the Hundalee's are narrow and winding.

"The Minister must front up with a plan to address the serious concerns over State Highway One and our country roads.

"Trucks are having accidents every month. People are being killed, the environment is being polluted and roads are being closed.

"At the same time a discussion document by the Land Transport Safety Authority on 'Efficiency in the Trucking Industry' has been released suggesting we have heavier and longer trucks on our roads. First though, something drastic has to be done.

"The Blenheim to Christchurch road is inadequate for current car and the truck users let alone longer and heavier trucks. Overtaking is already dangerous enough.

"Formaldehyde is an extremely toxic chemical. The effects of this morning's spill, and others, puts humans and the environment at serious risk," said Dr Scott.

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