28 March 2018

Aucklanders still not sold on regional fuel tax – AA survey

Aucklanders are yet to be convinced about the merits of a regional fuel tax, according to a new survey of more than 2300 Auckland AA Members.

The survey was designed to shed light on public views on the regional fuel tax, and other areas of in the Council’s 2018 Long-Term Plan, which closes to public feedback today.

AA spokesman Barney Irvine says the survey results show that, as the regional fuel tax becomes more real, many people are having doubts.

“We think the majority of Aucklanders are still prepared to accept a regional fuel tax, but it’s certainly not a slam-dunk – around 35% are in favour, but 38% are opposed, and 20% are neutral.”

Mr Irvine says the neutral responses show widely contrasting views.

“A lot of these people support the tax on the basis of ‘user pays’, but worry about the social impact, or think it’s unfair on people who have no choice but to drive. Others are okay with it in principle, but don’t have confidence in decision-makers to spend the extra money on projects that are going to make a difference.”

Mr Irvine says the results highlight the need for the Council to be clear not just about what the revenue from the tax is going to be spent on, but also what the benefits are going to be, particularly in terms of de-congestion.

“Congestion is the number-one transport concern for Auckland AA Members and, more than anything, they need to see that the extra cost is going to help keep travel times down. We’ve heard about the big, new projects, but still haven’t seen anything about what they’re going to do for congestion across the network.”

The AA expects this information to be provided in the coming weeks, when the Council consults the public on the Regional Land Transport Plan and the detail of the regional fuel tax.

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