Park And Ride Tax Should Be Used to Lower Public Transport Fares

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is calling for Auckland Transport to ring fence all money raised by the proposed new parking fees for 'Park and Ride' and ensure that it is used to lower public transport fares.

Spokesperson for the Ratepayers’ Alliance, Carmel Claridge, says, “This whole proposal looks very much like another stealth tax for the Council to squander. On the one hand the Council wants more people taking trains, but on the other, it wants to charge Aucklanders to park at the station.”

“This Council, which is putting up rates by 9.9% despite the Mayor's pledge of a 2.5% cap, seems to announce a new tax or charge every week. If officials were as good at saving money as they are at collecting it, the Ratepayers’ Alliance wouldn’t be needed."

The Ratepayers’ Alliance is supportive of the prospect of residential parking permits, but is concerned that the Council may use a permit scheme to fleece money from vehicle owners.

“While residential parking permits have merit, we are deeply concerned that the Council will use it as a sneaky way to raise revenue,” says Ms Claridge. "It should be free to park outside your own home. If there is a charge, it should be no more than the actual cost of issuing a permit."

ENDS

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