Iain LEES-GALLOWAY
Transport Spokesperson
2 September 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT
Predicted gridlock confirms National not listening
Predictions that Gerry Brownlee's “Highways of National Congestion” will bring Wellington to a grinding halt demonstrate
the foolishness of National's road building programme, says Labour's Transport spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway.
"An independent report prepared for the Greater Wellington Regional Council reveals that Mr Brownlee’s plans to spend
billions on gold-plated highways in the region will actually make congestion in the capital worse.
“That's an outrageous waste of taxpayers' money.
"National is stuck in the past. It can't see beyond motorways and sprawl. By promoting its handpicked highways over
other more cost effective options, this government is locking New Zealand into a high-carbon, congested and inefficient
future.
“A Labour-led Government will build a 21st century transport network.
“Unlike Gerry Brownlee, who refuses at every turn to accept the evidence of experts, Labour will listen. And we will
make the changes that National won’t to ensure this country has an integrated transport network along with well
thought-out roading."
ENDS