21 May 2004

AA Welcomes Ten-Year Auckland Transport Plan

The AA has welcomed a commitment by Nationals Leader, Don Brash, to fast-track Auckland infrastructure needs.

The AA General Manager of Transport Policy, Stephen Selwood, said that his organisation had been lobbying both the Government and the National Party to make this sort of commitment for some time and the AA would now be looking to the Government to spell out its plans for Auckland.

"The case for urgently addressing Auckland's traffic problems is so compelling that it should be beyond politics," Mr. Selwood said.

"Traffic congestion in Auckland today is a serious drag on the New Zealand economy that impacts on the whole of New Zealand. And the congestion will only get worse with predictions of twice as many vehicles using the network within 20 years.

"The AA believes the 10 year time frame outlined today by Dr. Brash is achievable and can be funded by a combination of fuel tax and tolls on some new roads." he said.

"We are also attracted to the idea of a single agency to oversee Auckland transport needs and management. If we are to responsibility address traffic issues there needs to be a coordinated approach across both private and public transport.

"In regard to suggestions of congestion charging and tolling, the AA remains concerned that the overall cost of motoring does not rise. A recent poll of our members revealed that they are willing to pay tolls but only if the toll speeds up construction of a new road and alternative free-travel routes are available.

"The AA will continue to work with both the Government and National to ensure our future transport infrastructure needs are addressed and in such a way as to benefit motorists and other road users," Mr. Selwood said.

ENDS

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