The Government must keep its hands off motorists’ piggy bank, says the Taxpayers’ Union after the Transport Minister reportedly told stakeholders he’s considering using New Zealand’s roading fund for non-roading projects.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said, “Phil Twyford is now suggesting the Land Transport Fund could be used for the Government’s pet rail projects. This fund is paid for by motorists through fuel taxes, registration fees, and road user charges, and motorists expect it to be used to maintain and improve our roads.”

“Instead, Twyford wants to force motorists to pay for trains and trams. This is an irresponsible use of motorists’ taxes and not why we pay so much in tax at the pump. It ultimately means the Government will abandon upgrades of degraded and dangerous roads – unless they intend to hike motorists’ taxes.”

© Scoop Media