Labour Should Honour Roading Promise

Wednesday 28 Jul 2004

Dr Muriel Newman - Press Releases - Other

ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Northland-based MP Dr Muriel Newman today criticised Labour for forcing a toll road onto a community that had been promised a motorway extension funded completely by Transfund New Zealand.

"North Auckland residents and motorists were promised that the completion of the Northern Motorway Alpurt project, from Orewa to Puhoi, would be paid for from their petrol tax money. Petrol taxes have historically funded all work on State Highway One - the country's premier highway - and Alpurt should not be an exception," Dr Newman said.

"While Labour originally reneged on the promise that the motorway completion would be a priority, once resource consents were obtained, it has now realised that the roading shambles at Orewa is a national disgrace that cannot be allowed to continue.

"The petition I presented to Parliament on behalf of region's people, as well as the advocacy of Northern mayors and community leaders, has helped make the Government change its mind, see sense and re-classify the completion of this project as an urgent priority.

"To try now to break yet more promises to the region, by forcing motorists to pay a toll for the completion of this State Highway One project, is unacceptable. Alpurt should be a priority project for petrol tax and road user charge funding - not separate funding by motorists," Dr Newman said.

ENDS

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