Dismantle RMA to Build the Motorways

Monday 25 Feb 2002 Penny Webster Press Releases -- Transport

Raising petrol tax is not the answer to New Zealand's transport problems, ACT Transport Spokesman MP Penny Webster said today.

"Ridding ourselves of the obstructive Resource Management Act would achieve a lot more than hiking the price of petrol.

"We are in a frightening situation. Mark Gosche is hiking taxes instead of removing the barriers to a decent motorway system. The Greens' backroom deal with the Government guarantees an even more damaging package for motorists.

"If Labour is determined to raise petrol taxes, then the only fair outcome is for that money to be dedicated to improving our roads.

"Spending up large on public railways is foolhardy. New Zealanders value their cars. For people in rural areas, vehicles are a necessity - not a luxury. Jeanette Fitzsimon's claim that pumping taxpayer money into public transport "reduces congestion" has been disproved. Trains don't go where people want to go. Buses use motorways like the rest of us. We need to fix the motorways.

"The Government's approach is wrong. We need to start by removing the obstacles to getting a decent motorway system finished. Dismantling the bureaucratic RMA is crucial.

"Hiking taxes and pandering to the Greens naïve whims is a dangerous mix," Mrs Webster said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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