Doing nothing not an option for Auckland's transport

The choice set out today to fund Auckland's future transport development is stark but realistic, says Kim Campbell, Chief Executive for the Employers & Manufacturers Association.

"If we did nothing the average speed on our motorway would drop from 64kmh to 24kmh over the next 30 years," Mr Campbell said.

"It means congestion would reduce motorway traffic below walking speed for much of the time, and was completely stationary for lengthy periods.

"Doing nothing would mean the time Aucklanders spent on the motorway in severe congestion would triple, rising from 10 to 30 per cent of travel time.

"Of the two main options presented to bridge the annual $300 million funding deficit research suggests for business a $2 toll would be preferable to a rates increase or a fuel tax.

"Transport modeling shows business would pay 41 to 47 per cent of motorway user charges, but the savings accruing to business through reduced congestion, and being able to make more business trips per day, would more than offset this.

"But the choice on how to pay for our future transport needs is one for the community at large to debate and decide."

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