Fast Track Legislation To Fix Auckland's Transport Crisis

Wednesday 29 Oct 2003 Deborah Coddington Press Releases -- Transport

ACT New Zealand Transport Spokesman Deborah Coddington today said she had drafted a Private Member's Bill which would go a long way to solving Auckland's transport mess and provide relief for families trapped in traffic jams.

"The Government is already fast-tracking legislation for renewable energy and Project Aqua. Auckland's transport is a massive problem. If we could do it in 1989 for the America's Cup, we can do it now for transport," Miss Coddington said.

"The America's Cup (Planning) Act was seen as a way for New Zealand to capitalise on the huge economic advantages this sailing competition would bring the country. A planning authority was established which eliminated delays in developing the Cup Village and other facilities. Without that legislation we'd still be trying to get consents to build Team New Zealand's headquarters.

"I've used that concept for the Auckland Roads Network (Planning) Bill 2003 - 'An Act to enable certain consents required in connection with the completion of the Auckland motorway and roads network (as set out in the schedule) to be obtained expeditiously'.

"It is crucial that we complete Auckland's roading network - much of which was first planned 30 years ago.

"Labour could have expedited this with the Land Transport Management Bill which has just come back from Select Committee. But Transport Minister Paul Swain elected to favour the Greens, who are anti-car, and savour walk ways and cycle ways over motorists.

"I hope, my Bill will have the same result as my Sex Offenders Registry Bill - that is, be drawn from the Ballot and voted through to select committee.

"Alternately, the Government could adopt my Bill.

"If Labour really cared about increasing the incomes of ordinary New Zealanders and solving Auckland's traffic problems it would seize my Bill with gusto as a way out of the current gridlocked mess," Miss Coddington said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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