Aucklanders need a second harbour crossing now, not in 20 years time.

That’s the view of Manukau City mayor Sir Barry Curtis.

Sir Barry believes Aucklanders will get what they need sooner than the 20 year deadline promoted by the Auckland regional Land Transport Committee.

That Committee has approved the second bridge in principle - but in the meantime it wants to try other ways of easing traffic congestion from the North Shore.

However, Sir Barry Curtis believes a second harbour crossing is needed and cannot be delayed for 20 years.

Population growth on the North Shore and in the Rodney District as well as in Far North cities like Whangarei insist the second bridge will be built well within the 20 year period.

Alternative traffic initiatives are fine in theory, according to Sir Barry, but getting people to leave their cars at home is always a struggle.

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