May 20, 2004

More accelerator, less brake on Vic Park flyover - Wood

North Shore City Mayor George Wood wants to see the Victoria Park flyover fixed by 2006 - before street cars start racing in downtown Auckland.

He is calling on his southern neighbour Auckland City to work with Transit and his council to help solve the main congestion bottleneck frustrating North Shore-based and bound commuters.

"We need more accelerator and less brake right now if we're to complete this long overdue project before the V8s hit the streets.

"There is no battle of the bridge here, it's regional co-operation in action and we want to join Mayor Banks and the Auckland City Council to work through the issues."

George Wood says it is a time for pragmatism, not petulance.

"North Shore City Council shares the concerns of many in our community about the traffic implications of the street racing but we're not going to spit the dummy at John and his team over there.

"Sure we have reservations, but we're keen to listen to what measures Auckland City will put in place around this major regional event. We are prepared to play our part in support of our residents and neighbours."

Mayor Wood says it is also time for Auckland City to listen to North Shore City and help its northern neighbour by supporting the roading and public transport improvements needed at Victoria Park.

"The flyover's not simply North Shore City's problem. It's a regional issue requiring a regional response, and the sooner the better.

"The words that come to mind from across the bridge include "we need a 'can do' attitude", "congestion is a major barrier to the region's economic performance" and "let's rid ourselves of petty parochialism to get Auckland moving," he says.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks and Transit officials have voiced their support in the past for action but, like many transport projects across the region, it remains on the 'to do' list.

George Wood says he expects Transit to represent North Shore City's interests in a "firm and frank" way.

"If everyone co-operated on this project, we could get it into gear and reach the chequered flag by 2006."

ENDS

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