Be fair on roads plea

Auckland local body politicians pushing public transport as the answer to traffic congestion have been told not to forget the role of new roads.

Martin Gummer, who heads the motorway funding body Transfund, called yesterday for a more balanced debate on public transport and roads.

Speaking at an infrastructure discussion in Auckland, Mr Gummer said both were clearly needed. But 92 per cent of traffic movements in the city involved private motor vehicles, a figure that was growing by 3 per cent a year.

Transfund had roading projects all set to go in Auckland with funding but a variety of factors was holding them back.

Mike Foster, of engineering firm Beca Carter, said public transport could provide 20 per cent of the traffic network "but we cannot shut our eyes to the incomplete roading network."

Act leader Richard Prebble, who spent the day discussing infrastructure with political and business leaders, was wary of "feel-good" solutions. "The reality is that Auckland City needs more roads."