Auckland protest supports Anti-Bypass protest in Wellington

Auckland Monday 8th November – The Transport Action Group (TAG) today gathered outside Fulton Hogan regional headquarters in solidarity with the Wellington anti-bypass group that is protesting against the controversial Wellington Inner City Bypass.

Activists in Auckland donned day-glo vests, hard hats and carried ‘stop’ signs that read ‘Stop New Roads’. The protesters delivered leaflets and spoke to the Manager and workers of Fulton Hogan in Ellerslie demanding that they stop putting profits before people.

“It’s time that industry, the Government and roading contractors worked together to stop these quick fix solutions that offer no long-term benefits’, said TAG spokesperson Louise Sales.

“New roads are not what this country needs, it needs improved infrastructure and more investment into public transport – this is where the tax payers dollars should be going.”

The protesters in Auckland joined with activists in Christchurch to support the Wellington group's protest at Fulton Hogan’s Petone depot.

Fulton Hogan have been given the contract for the construction of the Wellington Inner City Bypass. This road bypasses Wellington’s central city by one block, but will dissect a whole community.

The Te Aro area stands to lose 25 heritage buildings while gaining increased traffic volumes and further endangerment to child safety – 3 primary schools are in close proximity to the bypass route.

The road will cost $32 Million. For this commuters can expect to save 90 seconds in peak hour traffic and gain at least 2 years of construction. The “bypass” is estimated to reach capacity in only 4 years, and then traffic delays will be back to where they started.

“When will the good of the community come before corporate greed? The Government needs to keep better tabs on where their tax-payers dollars are going.” Concluded Ms Sales.

ENDS

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