17 March 2006

Statement from Association chairman David Thornton

Road Pricing Study A Challenge To Everyone

The Road Pricing Evaluation Study is a welcome step in the search for solutions to Auckland's traffic congestion.

The study at least puts a likely dollar cost to motorists for using their cars unnecessarily.

While many motorists will complain at yet another cost we all have to accept there is a cost to easing congestion - and there is a measure of fairness in asking those who contribute to congestion to pay for solutions.

The study also presents a challenge to the regional transport bodies in advancing both road-building programmes and public transport improvements.

And there is also a challenge to local councils to keep up the pressure on central government to return all taxes taken from road users being used for transport purposes.

Ratepayers should welcome these possible alternative sources of funding for transport purposes.

If some form of tolling or congestion charging is not introduced the burden of the cost of improving the traffic network will fall on ratepayers.

The challenge for everyone is to come up with proposals which are fair and reasonable - and which produce results.

ENDS

© Scoop Media