Out in Full Force

Tuesday, 3 April 2012, 10:26 am
Press Release: Generation Zero

Lockey Lestrange, founder of Abolish Smart Transport for Happier Motorists Auckland out campaigning on the day of fools.

Out in Full Force
Sunday 1 April 2012

Lockey Lestrange of Abolish Smart Transport for Happier Motorists Auckland was out in full force today [April 1], sourcing support for his new campaign to make Auckland the most drive-able city. Founder and spokesperson, he shared with us his inspiration for starting the lobby group.

“I recently learned that the ratio of proposed government spending on new roads and motorways to new public transport infrastructure in Auckland is about seventeen to one, but in all honesty, that ratio should be seventeen to none.”

“I am a strong believer in unlimited fossil fuel consumption. I don’t want a single cent of my substantial income going into improving this so called ‘smart transport.’ What we really need is more effective motorway networks because really, if you can’t afford a car, you’re not going to get anywhere in life, and it’s as simple as that.”

Lestrange went on to elaborate his vision for the group he affectionately refers to as ASTHMA. “I believe that all motorists have the right to a fast, stress-free journey. It’s logical that the more motorways we build, the less congested they are.”

“I want to see Auckland transformed into a motorist’s paradise.”

Although he was critical of governments allocated spending on smart transport, he commended their other transport initiative for the Auckland region. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-government. They’ve already made this motorist very happy with the $1.65 billion of taxpayers money going into the Puhoi-Wellsford extension. That drive out to my bach is a nightmare.”

During the day, ASTHMA had a run in with another organisation called Generation Zero who were collecting signatures in support of their submission to the Auckland Council on transport.

Generation Zero is a movement of young New Zealanders committed to seeing through the transition to a thriving, fossil fuel independent zero carbon society. They are one of the organisations leading the nationwide initiative for improved smart transport policies.

“We want to see the development of bus, rail and cycle infrastructure given a fair go in the Auckland transport budget” said Generation Zero campus co-ordinator Phoebe Balle, a student at Auckland University.

40% of Auckland's current greenhouse gas emissions are from transport. We questioned Lockey Lestrange about the impact his campaign would have on climate change. "I know there is overwhelming scientific support for this thing called climate change, but I still think it’s all bollocks. The day I stop driving my Ford is the day I buy a Peugeot.”

“To be honest, it really upset me seeing all those young people brainwashed into thinking that an Auckland rail link and more efficient bus services will reduce the city's congestion and lower our carbon emissions."

Lestrange is currently the only member of ASTHMA. Although he felt alarmed at the number of Aucklanders who seemed to share Generation Zero’s point of view, he says that the experience has left him more driven than ever to achieve his ambitions of abolishing all government spending on smart transport in the wider Auckland region.

ENDS

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