Media release July 18th, 2002
Legislation will certainly be needed for Auckland's roads
The Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) has no doubt that the completion of Auckland's motorway network will require
special legislation.
A "Motorways Enabling Act" was announced as part of National's transport policy today.
"Transit New Zealand advised an Auckland Regional Land Transport Committee meeting recently that the network will not be
completed before 2015," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.
"This is totally unacceptable. We will need a special law passed to speed it up.
"The cost to Auckland in traffic congestion, delays and direct costs is enormous, at least $1billion a year and growing
by five per cent annually.
"National's commitment to introduce special legislation is welcome.
"This week we sent a one question survey to 57 candidates we identified standing for Auckland seats, or on party lists
based in Auckland.
"We asked if they would support a special law to speed up road building around Auckland. Not surprisingly, given
National's transport policy release today, National candidates supported the idea. So did ACT candidates.
"The response from two Labour candidates advised that it is not Labour policy to reply to surveys like ours. This is
disappointing as their replies are in the public interest.
"We are fully aware that electorate MP's in particular, once elected must tow the party line. But voters have a right to
know the issues they support and will promote in their caucus.
"Completing Auckland's motorway network is surely one issue on which voters will want to know where candidates stand."
Comments: Alasdair Thompson tel 09 367 0911 (b) 09 303 3951 (h) 0274 982 024