Transit National Office
Media Release

5 December 2006

Strong response from Aucklanders as submissions close on Western Ring Route toll concept

Transit New Zealand today announced the close of submissions on a toll concept to bring forward the opening of the Western Ring Route. The consultation process has drawn a strong response from Aucklanders, with over 20,000 public response forms received by the closing time of 5pm yesterday.

"Our priority has been to find out what Aucklanders think. We've encouraged people to get involved in the consultation process and to find out more about the toll concept. It's great to have a high level of feedback – now we can start to analyse the responses and look at a solution that works for Auckland," said Transit Chief Executive Rick van Barneveld.

For almost two months Transit has consulted extensively with the Auckland community on a toll concept that would allow the opening of the Western Ring Route to be brought forward to 2015. Key activities undertaken as part of the consultation process included:

• A mailout of information about the toll concept to households across the Auckland region
• A Mobile Information Centre in seven locations around Auckland
• Presentations by Transit representatives to councils and community boards
• Providing information through radio and newspaper advertising and online.

Listening Sessions have been held at locations around Auckland, and will continue for those who have booked them until 15 December.

All feedback collected over the course of the consultation period will now be analysed, and a report will be prepared in the New Year summarising outcomes. The report will be made publicly available after it has been considered by Transit's Board.

The Western Ring Route would be a high quality alternative to SH1, bypassing the CBD and linking Manukau, Auckland, Waitakere and North Shore cities. Opening the route involves completing missing links and adding extra lanes to combine the Southwestern (SH20), Northwestern (SH16) and Upper Harbour (SH18) motorways.

"We look forward to analysing feedback thoroughly to assess what people have said. We will also look at the issues raised in consultation and how these could be addressed."

ENDS

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