Media Release
11 December 2003

Peters Calls For 'No Toll' Bridge Solution

New Zealand First leader and Tauranga M.P Winston Peters is urging Transit to come up with a ‘no toll’ solution for Tauranga’s duplicate harbour bridge proposal.

“Following questioning today, from our Transport spokesman and deputy leader Peter Brown, Transit suggested that it was working positively with local representatives but was unable to confirm a ‘no toll solution’.

“The imposition of another toll on the motorists and businesses of Tauranga and its hinterland could never be considered a positive step,” said Mr. Peters.

“Designating the arterial roads as ‘state highway’ without similar treatment for the bridge was a crazy decision and will only be exacerbated by any decision involving tolls. If Transit is genuinely involved in positive negotiations then it has a clear path to follow.

“It is time to end the politicking and to recognise the strategic importance of this link with the country’s major port. The cost benefit ratio for the bridge is considerably above the required level and it is either pure obstinacy or, worse, political manipulation that leaves this matter unresolved,” Mr. Peters said.

ENDS

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