Car ban for mountains problematic, out of the blue

The planned ban on car access to Auckland’s volcanoes is out of the blue and undemocratic, says ACT Leader and Epsom MP David Seymour.

“The Maunga Authority’s decision to end vehicle access to the top of Mount Eden and other cones comes after the government had promised that the Authority would not compromise existing public access and use rights.

“It is hard to reconcile that promise with this week’s announcement. For many New Zealanders, such as the elderly or those with injuries or disabilities, a ban on cars will effectively be an end to access.

“What stings even more is that today is 2014’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“On a day when we should be celebrating inclusion and fair treatment, the Maunga Authority is threatening disabled, injured, and elderly people with, at best, a marginalising and bureaucratic process for gaining access to the summit, and at worst, a total end to their enjoyment of our mountaintops.

“Further considerations ought to be given to parents of small children, the tourists who contribute to Auckland’s economy, and cyclists, who would for some reason be included in the ban.

“Maybe some sort of restriction is justified to reduce erosion, pollution, or noise. But if that were the case, the merits of the ban should be able to stand up to public scrutiny and debate. Instead, the Authority has announced the ban from out of the blue, with no opportunity for public consultation or a cost-benefit analysis.

“The government should hold the Maunga Authority to the public-minded spirit outlined in its formation. The ratepayers who fund maintenance of these mountains deserve input.

“Matters of public access to our beautiful maunga should be matters of public consultation.”

ENDS

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