26 January 2006
AA Issues Warning To Auckland Mayors
The AA rejects a call from Auckland Mayors to toll existing roads.
AA Auckland transport spokesman, Simon Lambourne, says "motorists have already paid for the region's existing roads
through fuel tax and other charges and would never accept tolls on those roads."
"The AA has a clear policy in relation to tolls. No tolls on existing roads; only toll new roads when they would not
otherwise be built or when the toll would accelerate the construction of the project; and tolling is only appropriate if
an alternative free route is available to motorists."
"We fully understand the frustration of Auckland Mayors and their desire to fix the region's traffic problems, but the
solution is not imposing additional costs on motorists. The solution is for central government to loosen their purse
strings and commit all the fuel tax revenue it takes from Auckland motorists to the region's land transport projects."
"If the government was to do that there would be an additional $200 million per year available for Auckland roading
investment. The AA would be more than willing to work with and support Councils if they were to take this approach."
"Fixing Auckland's traffic problems is an investment, not a cost. And it is an investment with clearly demonstrated
returns as detailed in the Allen Report."
"Investing in the roading network results in the more efficient movement of goods and people, less fuel use as a result
of unclogging the roads; and a better environmental outcome from free flowing traffic," Mr Lambourne says.
ENDS