The Greens are happy to accept responsibility for promoting the public transport and alternative transport initiatives in the Government package to be released later this week, Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said today.

National claimed over the weekend that motorists would feel "ripped off" if, as the price for Green support of the transport package, up to 40% of a suggested petrol tax increase goes into rail and public transport instead of roading.

"If National is suggesting it's a crime to reduce congestion on our roads," said Jeanette Fitzsimons, " then we're happy to plead 'guilty as charged.' We wait with interest to hear any howls of outrage from motorists when they find that greater use of rail means fewer big trucks on the road."

"The more people who use public transport, the more room there will be on the roads - something all motorists should rejoice in. Road users benefit from the existence of good public transport just as much as those who ride on it.

"Auckland is suffocating in a cloud of exhaust fumes, its motorways are congested, local streets carrying through traffic are unsafe - especially for children - and its public transport and cycling alternatives are woefully inadequate.

"We will use any influence we can use to promote alternatives to the present unsustainable situation - without apology."

ENDS

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