Whenuapai decision bad for Auckland drivers

Tuesday 14 Dec 2004

Deborah Coddington - Press Releases - Transport

Aucklanders enjoying the school holidays' respite from traffic gridlock will be severely disappointed by the Labour Government's backdown over Whenuapai airport, ACT Transport spokesman Deborah Coddington said.

"Studies have shown that if Whenuapai became Auckland's second commercial airport, the cross-city traffic would be reduced by as much as during the school holidays.

"Further, this development is a good example of a public-private partnership at work between the Waitakere City Council and Infratil. It would not cost ratepayers one cent.

"Instead, the Government seems to have bowed to pressure from Air New Zealand and put the commercial interests of its own airline ahead of the needs of hardworking New Zealanders stuck in traffic.

"Objectors to the airport will have their chance to make submissions during the consent hearings.

"The Government should allow the process to take its course and stop interfering in its typical `we-know-what's-good-for-you' manner," Miss Coddington said.

ENDS

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