Mayoral action on Auckland's transport applauded

Mayoral action on Auckland's transport applauded

The Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says the unanimous agreement by Auckland's Mayoral Forum today to develop a comprehensive, city wide and united plan for the city's transport systems is very welcome.

"We're very pleased Auckland's mayors appreciate the urgency of the situation," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"The plan is expected to describe the total picture of everything we've got to do to fix up and accelerate on Auckland's transport infrastructure for both public and private transport modes.

"It's a mark of the Mayors' commitment that they have asked their chief executives to move quickly to have the plan ready by January 31st.

"It's expected to cover the legal obstacles, all the funding, and the Resource Management constraints that must be addressed.

"Once finalised, we understand the plan will become the basis for a single, region wide submission on the Land Transport Management Bill.

"We hold deep concerns the Transport Bill will not provide adequate funding to meet its objectives, and neither will it meet Auckland's transport needs as it does not allow for all solutions that will be required.

"For example, it does not provide for area or congestion tolling or other new ways of funding transport development, and it falls far short of what investors will require if they are to advance funding for toll roads built under Private/Public Partnerships (PPP's).

"In fact we strongly doubt any PPP's or toll roads would ever be built under the legislation presently under consideration. Hence the importance of Auckland having its own plan to put before Government."

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