New Zealand First is appalled with the cynical petrol tax hike passed early this morning under extreme urgency, and the motivating factors and yet more spin behind it.

“This bill is a worrying sign for the Government’s finances. It shows that the Government cannot meet its core obligations and stay in the black without having to ram through tax increases with no prior warning and at 4am. That’s pretty scary,” said Deputy Leader and Transport Spokesman Peter Brown today.

“One can only conclude that they desperately needed the cash and sought to get it from a group they perceive to be soft targets—motorists. They didn’t target trucks because they are too well organised and able to fight back.

“Having decided to hit motorists they then concocted this story that the tax hike was for Auckland roads, hoping to dampen-down the voters there. It is interesting that they have told Auckland media outlets that the tax is for Auckland roads, but have said another thing to outlets outside Auckland. They have even let the Greens believe that it was their idea by telling them that they will encourage bicycles and walking.

“The facts are quite different. The number of trucks is growing at 6% per annum—trucks are one of the major contributors to congestion and road damage, yet they escape this tax-hike. 50% of rural roads are unsealed, provincial highways are in need of modernisation and are unsafe, yet those communities will get nothing for this tax-hike.

“The fact is that if all the tax paid by motorists in recent years had gone onto roading instead of paying for politicians’ pet projects then we would have much safer roads and less congestion already, instead of playing catch-up by introducing new taxes,” concluded Mr Brown.

ENDS

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