Government Transport Funding Package Cautiously
Welcomed
21 JUNE 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
The Taxpayers’ Union is
cautiously welcoming the Interim Report on the Auckland
Transport Alignment Project, released this afternoon by
Finance Minister, Bill English and Transport Minister, Simon
Bridges. Jordan Williams, the Taxpayers' Union
Executive Director, says:
“The report's acknowledgement
of the benefits of variable road pricing to road congestion
is welcomed.”
“While the Taxpayers’ Union riles
against the introduction of many new taxes, we are not
against variable road pricing or congestion charging, so
long as it is efficiently implemented with proceeds
ring-fenced for road investment, as is the case with fuel
taxes.”
“Many motorists will fear a return to the days
when taxes on our roads and fuel went into the
government’s consolidated fund. So long as these proposals
aren’t used as a cash grab, for Auckland Council to waste
for example, the approach outlined in this interim report
appears
sensible.”
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