ACT will end traffic congestion

ACT is the only party with a plan to end traffic congestion, says ACT Leader David Seymour. The TomTom Traffic Index 2017 has revealed the country's traffic is now worse than Hong Kong.

“Every minute spent in traffic is a minute we can’t spend on our families, friends, jobs, and ourselves. There are clear solutions to traffic congestion – but only ACT is talking about them.

“Petrol taxes should be replaced with demand-based road pricing. This would give people the opportunity to save money by travelling off-peak. The technology is here now – what’s the government afraid of?

“ACT would also give transport infrastructure a boost by allowing local councils to collect half the GST from new development. This would close Auckland’s $400m transport deficit and turn the building boom into an infrastructure boom.

“It’s also ridiculous that there is a $1500 licencing process for anyone who wants to profit from ride-sharing. Uber-style technology could allow New Zealanders to ride-share on a massive scale, saving money and reducing congestion. But National is currently repeating mistakes made overseas, using red tape to block progress and protect the sunset taxi industry.

“Even once the government passes its proposed ride-sharing reforms (which is taking far too long), a licence will still cost $600. It’s crazy – National is happy for people to carpool, but when money changes hands we have to pay for permission.

“Only a stronger ACT will make National adopt real solutions to traffic congestion.”

ENDS

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