27 July 2011 Community and Sustainable Tranport (CAST)

For immediate release

Roading proposals don’t stack up

“The Basin Reserve - Cobham Drive roading proposals don’t stack up and are based on flawed assumptions”, says a new community group Community and Sustainable Transport (CAST) set up to challenge the NZTA’s approach.

Mr Laing, the group’s convener, said that proposals will cost the nation $500 million, and will take 30 years to deliver just $200 million in economic benefits.

"Why is the Government borrowing $500 million for such a poor return? Depositing money in the bank would provide a higher rate of return than this proposal."

CAST has been formed in response to NZTA roading proposals for Wellington. The group wants to see better alternatives, based on public transport, demand management, walking and cycling and sensible roading.

“The options being offered are two variations of a flyover, one tunnel design and the six to seven laning of Ruahine Street and Wellington Roads. Why have not more alternatives been considered?” said Mr Laing.

“Vehicle kilometres travelled are static or falling, and with oil prices likely to rise, these proposals just don’t make sense,” said Mr Laing. “The benefit cost ratio for this project is 0.5. This means that for every precious taxpayer dollar spent on this project, we are only getting 50 cents of economic benefit.”

“The proposed roads will erode our quality of life in the Eastern suburbs and won’t relieve traffic congestion. People living within 200m - and this includes Kilbirnie School and the adjacent Playcentre - would be exposed to higher levels of pollution. Hataitai kindergarten will need to be moved. The edge of the Town Belt would be sliced off to make room for 6-8 lanes of traffic. After a few years, congestion from induced traffic means we would be back where we started - but $500 million poorer”, said Mr Laing.

Dr. Russel Norman, co-leader of the Green party said “As a local Hataitai resident I welcome the formation of a group that will stand up for the interests of locals and the broader interests of the people of Wellington. Let’s embrace transport that is sustainable and improves our quality of life rather than unsustainable expensive new motorways that will make our city less liveable.”

Mr Laing recommends that people who object to the NZTA proposal, or would like NZTA to present more options for public consideration, fill out the submission form on the back of NZTA’s recent brochure by the closing date of 26th August.

ENDS

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