13 November 2013

South Aucklanders Still in the Dark over Motorway Plans

Citizens Transport Coalition (CTC) has challenged Auckland Transport to front up to local communities about their plans for the East-West link. To date Auckland Transport has failed to consult with the communities of Mangere and Otahuhu about the motorway that is planned to run through their suburbs.

The proposed motorway through Mangere and Otahuhu is one of four options considered for the East-West link - a high-capacity freight corridor designed to relieve congestion around the intersection of Church St in Penrose, and State Highway 1 and the South-Eastern highway.

CTC spokesperson Donna Wynd says the lack of information available to the community is outrageous, given the tight timeframe for the project.
The scale of the potential damage to the community is horrifying. The proposed motorway will wipe out houses, medical centres, churches, schools and historic places.

“It is difficult to imagine Auckland Transport planning a project of this scope in any other community with so little public information or consultation with local people. Would Auckland Transport attempt to drive an expressway through a leafy middle-class suburb in the same manner? Auckland Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency are treating these south Auckland communities with a lack of respect.”

The group is also calling on Auckland Transport to inform the residents of Panama Road about the possible loss of houses in their suburb under another of the other options.

“These are not just lines on a map, they are people’s homes. Auckland Transport needs to start talking to the community now.”

ENDS

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