16 December 2004
Tauranga Residents Must Have Say On Road Tolls
New Zealand First transport spokesperson Peter Brown is appalled that Tauranga residents were not consulted prior to a
closed council meeting on tolling for the harbour link project and he’s accused the city council of selling out.
Mr Brown’s comments follow reports that the Tauranga City Council has announced it is prepared to accept tolls to fund
the second Harbour Link bridge before the public has been consulted.
“They have got it the wrong way round. The public should have been consulted first,” said Mr Brown.
“The people of Tauranga are entitled to know exactly what is being tolled, the total sum required, the toll charge and
how long it will be imposed before the council makes its determinations.
“While councillors as individuals can make their views known, holding a closed meeting and announcing a decision is not
on.
“This is a complete sell out by the council. It is absolutely unacceptable for councillors to be holding secret meetings
prior to the public consultation process.
“Council meetings on issues should be held in an open forum. The people of Tauranga deserve better and they should be
given a chance to have their say,” concluded Mr Brown.
ENDS