Media release July 18th, 2002

Legislation will certainly be needed for Auckland's roads

The Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) has no doubt that the completion of Auckland's motorway network will require special legislation.

A "Motorways Enabling Act" was announced as part of National's transport policy today.

"Transit New Zealand advised an Auckland Regional Land Transport Committee meeting recently that the network will not be completed before 2015," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"This is totally unacceptable. We will need a special law passed to speed it up.

"The cost to Auckland in traffic congestion, delays and direct costs is enormous, at least $1billion a year and growing by five per cent annually.

"National's commitment to introduce special legislation is welcome.

"This week we sent a one question survey to 57 candidates we identified standing for Auckland seats, or on party lists based in Auckland.

"We asked if they would support a special law to speed up road building around Auckland. Not surprisingly, given National's transport policy release today, National candidates supported the idea. So did ACT candidates.

"The response from two Labour candidates advised that it is not Labour policy to reply to surveys like ours. This is disappointing as their replies are in the public interest.

"We are fully aware that electorate MP's in particular, once elected must tow the party line. But voters have a right to know the issues they support and will promote in their caucus.

"Completing Auckland's motorway network is surely one issue on which voters will want to know where candidates stand."

Comments: Alasdair Thompson tel 09 367 0911 (b) 09 303 3951 (h) 0274 982 024

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