“Bypass” delay is a great opportunity for Wellington

‘The delay to Wellington’s inner-city “bypass” provides a great opportunity for our civic leaders to reappraise Wellington’s transport needs.’ said Campaign for a Better City spokesperson, Alan Whiting. ‘The “bypass” and its predecessors have been on the drawing board for forty years. However the “bypass” has always been a marginal project so this two-year delay could easily become five or even ten years. Rather than waiting on an outdated idea which might never materialise, local politicians need to pick up on the government’s willingness to fund public transport, cycling and pedestrian initiatives.

Wellington has the highest number of public transport users and pedestrian commuters of any of our major cities and is one the few places in New Zealand where cycling is also on the increase. Whilst there may be little money available for Wellington’s roading projects, there is plenty of opportunity to obtain funds for public transport, cycling and pedestrian initiatives. CBC spokesperson Alan Whiting said “For too long our local politicians have been preoccupied with a project which consists of 700m of road with traffic lights at every intersection. The city needs a more comprehensive approach. The city and regional councils should start now to work co-operatively with communities to devise a transport strategy for the 21st century.”

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