MAYOR’S OFFICE
AUCKLAND CITY

Moving Auckland Forward

Hon John Banks QSO
Mayor of Auckland City

10 December 2003

AA survey tells leaders to just get on with it

“The findings of AA’s latest survey confirm that network completion, embracing public transport, is not just the wish of the eight local authorities, the greater Auckland public is overwhelmingly crying out for it – and sooner rather than later,” Auckland City Mayor Hon John Banks said today.

Mr Banks’ comments follow the NZ Automobile Association’s release this morning of results from an independent survey, which saw 775 Aucklanders interviewed.

“The fact that 89 per cent of the public supports completion of our integrated network in a way that includes a range of roading and public transport options, up from 83 per cent in 2000, is significant. Also significant is the fact that nearly two-thirds of the public want the job done by 2010 – as is the wish of the mayors.

“These figures mirror a comprehensive survey Auckland City commissioned in June this year which found 95 per cent believed that completing the network – both motorways and improved public transport – is either extremely important or important.”

The AA’s face-to-face survey results also show more drivers accept they will have to pay via the likes of tolls and 78 per cent believe the Government should spend more of the transport-related excise on transport infrastructure.

Mr Banks said the practice of siphoning transport excise revenue into non transport-related projects was unlikely to change as governments had been doing it for years.

“The timing of the AA survey results, ahead of the Government’s funding package announcement on Friday, is a useful reminder of the public’s clear call for urgent action.

“The majority of Auckland drivers just want us to get on with it, believe that government coffers should substantially contribute, and if we can deliver network completion sooner drivers are increasingly willing to pay,” said Mr Banks.

Ends

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