Bill English MP
National Party Finance Spokesman

26 August 2008

Cullen and King at odds on tolling policy

“He says yes, she says no, but no one is any the wiser after Labour tried to explain its confusing policy on toll roads in Parliament today,” says National Party Finance spokesman Bill English.

Mr English is referring to totally contradictory statements made by the Transport Minister Annette King and the Finance Minister Michael Cullen on the future of tolling for Auckland’s Waterview connection.

Finance Minister Michael Cullen is quoted today as saying that a PPP, which would mean tolls of about $2 a trip, was looking ‘pretty positive’.

“However, in Parliament today, Annette King denied there was any plan to toll motorists who choose to use the Waterview route. This is critical information for any investor who might be contemplating involvement in this PPP.”

Mr English says after days of “opportunistic hypocrisy” the public would have expected to learn more about Labour’s policy on tolling.

“But Labour won’t tell us. Annette King refused to tell Parliament what Labour’s policy is, despite several questions put to her seeking that information.

“This is very worrying, because just today, the Government deferred any announcement on the future of the Waterview connection until after the election.

“This is curious. We know Labour is planning toll roads, we know Dr Cullen favours a $20 a week charge to use the Waterview Connection.

“What is Labour’s policy on road tolls?”

ENDS

© Scoop Media