Government sceptical over congestion busting plan

The ambitious programme includes new roads, rail, ferries, busways and cycleways.

The Government remains sceptical about plans by Auckland Council to introduce a motorway toll or a fuel tax as a new congestion busting tool.

A statement last night from Transport Minister Simon Bridges held little hope for the Government agreeing to tolls or a fuel tax at this stage.

Mr Bridges was responding to a survey for Auckland Council which found a "small majority" of Aucklanders support an ambitious transport programme and a "small majority" support a motorway toll of $2 to pay for it.

The transport minister said he remained very sceptical that either an ambitious or basic transport programme would have much impact on the issues facing the Auckland transport network.

For the Government, Mr Bridges said, the question of funding tools did not arise until there was an effective transport programme.

"In October I made clear our scepticism of these tools. Council's draft budget released for consultation in December shows substantial spending decreases on the last three years.

"I will be interested to see where council gets to on this when final decisions are made soon."

The survey, of 5022 Aucklanders by Colmar Brunton, found 58 per cent support for an ambitious transport programme costing $10.3 billion over 10 years and 32 per cent for a basic programme costing $6.9 billion.

The ambitious programme includes new roads, rail, ferries, busways and cycleways. The basic transport network will maintain the existing infrastructure with only minor improvements. Both options include the $2.5 billion city rail link.

When it came to funding the ambitious programme at an extra $300 million a year, 57 per cent of respondents preferred a motorway toll and 31 per cent favoured a mix of a regional fuel tax and rates increases.

Peter Winder, who oversaw the funding work, said the survey was a substantial piece of work that delivered a clear message to councillors. Mr Brown said: "Aucklanders have indicated very clearly that they are prepared to put their hands in their pockets to achieve the transformation of our transport network."