The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is calling on Waka Kotahi to stand firm on its decision to rule out a cycleway on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. North Shore Councillors Darby and Hills must also take a stand.

Radio New Zealand reported this morning that lobby group Movement has threatened legal action if Waka Kotahi does not reconsider its decision to rule out a cycleway over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. In response, the Waka Kotahi Board has advised that it will take another look at the proposal when it meets later this month.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said, "The proposal to reallocate space on the Harbour Bridge to cyclists and pedestrians was ruled out by Waka Kotahi last year due to safety concerns. It simply isn’t practical."

"Furthermore, modelling by Waka Kotahi confirmed what every motorist knows: closing a lane of the Harbour Bridge to traffic is only going to make congestion worse," Mr. Van Veen said.

"Given the unreliability of public transport, many Aucklanders depend on their cars to get over the Bridge. A lane closure would unfairly punish those for whom cycling isn't a realistic option."

"We hope that commonsense prevails when the Waka Kotahi Board meets on 18 August. Otherwise, the Ratepayers’ Alliance will be mounting a vigorous campaign to keep the Harbour Bridge for motorists."

In the meantime, the Ratepayers' Alliance is urging North Shore Ward Councillors Chris Darby and Richard Hills to rule out their support for the lane closure.

"If Councillors Darby and Hills won't stand up for the motorists of the North Shore then we will make sure this becomes an election year issue."

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