The Minister of Transport has refused today to answer the concerns raised by Green MP Sue Kedgley regarding Wellington's proposed inner city bypass.

Ms Kedgley asked the Minister, Mark Gosche, if Transit New Zealand was being socially responsible evicting tenants and proposing to move listed buildings before it has even applied for funding for the proposed bypass.

"The Minister had no answer," said Ms Kedgley. "Shifting significant listed heritage buildings before Transit has the go ahead to build the bypass is ridiculous, and I am astonished that the minister is endorsing this cart before the horse approach."

"What will happen if Transfund turn down Transit's application next year - will it then shift the relocated heritage buildings back to their original site?"

Ms Kedgley has called for a social and environmental impact report and study into the effects of induced traffic.

"Today, the Minister was unwilling to ask Transit to undertake those studies, or to give some sort of assurance that this ludicrous situation would not result in irreparable harm to a vital, living area of the central city.

"His evasive replies only serve to underscore his effective endorsement of the bypass project.

"Again, I call on Wellington Central MP Marian Hobbs, to take up the cause of her electorate with her cabinet colleague."

ENDS

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