18 May 2013

Petrol tax should be invested in public transport

The Green Party is urging the Government to invest revenue, raised by their increase in petrol tax, on public transport in light of evidence that car traffic volumes are decreasing.

“The petrol tax is being increased because people are using their cars less, creating a shortfall in revenue needed to fund the Government’s motorway spending spree,” said Green Party transport spokesperson, Julie Anne Genter.

“It is absurd to use the revenue from the petrol tax hike to build more motorways when New Zealanders are switching to public transport. Public transport is where investment is needed.

“The Government should use the increased revenue from petrol tax to give New Zealanders smart green transport choices, such as building the urgently needed Auckland city rail link.

“New Zealanders are voting with their feet and driving less, but the Government is refusing to invest in essential projects like the city rail link, that would reduce congestion and give people better options.

“The Government’s weak argument of saying petrol tax must be spent on motorways is like saying alcohol tax should be spent only on building new bars.

“Now is the opportunity to invest in public transport, walking and cycling. That is actually better for road users because it's the best way to free up our road network for those who have to drive.

“Smart green transport is good for our economy, people and the environment. The National Government is saying no to sensible solutions and consigning us to an expensive, oil dependent future.”

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