17 August 2012

Government’s Basin flyover a waste of public money

The decision to push ahead with the ninety million dollar Basin Reserve flyover is a significant waste of public money and a poor transport solution, says the Green Party.

“The Basin Reserve flyover plan is incredibly expensive, opposed by Wellingtonians and will have a negative impact on the heritage value of the Basin Reserve,” said Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.

“Spending ninety million dollars on a road that has declining traffic volumes is an unaccountable waste of tax payers money.

“Every day the Government says we can’t afford wasteful public spending, yet the Basin Reserve flyover has a poor cost benefit analysis and is more expensive than other options.

“NZTA’s own data shows declining traffic volumes on both Buckle Street and Patterson Street. This flyover is a solution looking for a problem.

“The vast majority of people coming into Wellington take public transport, cycle or walk. Great investment in light rail and buses, as well as cycle lanes could significantly reduce traffic flows in this area further.

“A massive concrete motorway flyover is an invitation for future urban decay and crime. It is the exact opposite of smart transport planning.

“Many cities around the world are removing flyovers. It is thoughtless to invite social problems by building one when we don’t need to.

“A smart green approach to transport gets more people and freight moving, while enhancing the valuable land in the central city.”
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