Government should pay more for Auckland roads, says AA survey

By STUART DYE transport reporter

The Government should pay more from its swollen coffers to correct Auckland's transport problems, a survey finds.

The survey of Aucklanders, made public this morning, shows overwhelming support for completion of the region's transport network as planned, with nearly two-thirds wanting the job finished by 2010.

The survey was carried out on behalf of the Automobile Association, which clearly has a vested interest in the roads.

But it is a big indicator of public opinion and its release is a timely call on the Government before Friday's announcement on the blueprint to solve Auckland's traffic gridlock.

The Government will release the package with regional politicians. Prime Minister Helen Clark, Finance Minister Michael Cullen, Transport Minister Paul Swain and Local Government Minister Chris Carter, with Auckland Mayoral Forum chairman John Law and Auckland Regional Council chairwoman Gwen Bull, will make the announcement.

It is understood a standalone transport body will be created and given a Government cash hand-out.

But increased rates, a 5.8c a litre fuel tax and toll roads are also expected to be among the measures.

The AA survey shows that people begrudge paying more for faster completion, saying the Government should use money already provided from fuel tax and siphoned for use in other areas.

Using rates to pay for public transport improvements is overwhelmingly rejected, and support for tolls is tagged primarily to funding the cost of new roads only.

At the same time a majority of Aucklanders acknowledge they might have to pay more for earlier network completion, most likely in the form of tolls on new roads, but willingness to do so is strongly conditional on results.

The face-to-face interviews involved 775 Aucklanders, in a survey independently undertaken by Research Solutions.

Eighty-nine per cent said they supported the completion of the integrated transport network broadly, in a way that included a range of roading and public transport options.

This is 6 per cent higher than the finding to the same question in a survey three years ago.

Despite that figure only 14 per cent readily accept that some of the extra funding required should come directly from people in the region.

A majority of 78 per cent said the Government should spend more of the petrol tax it currently takes on transport, even when it means spending is reduced in other areas.

Stephen Selwood, AA's general manager in Auckland, said the survey findings were "the strongest possible confirmation for getting on with completing the core network".

"A majority of frustrated Aucklanders accept that they will pay a little more, if they have to, because this is the only way to achieve completion in a reasonable timeframe."

Survey results

* 89 per cent: get the work done within 10 years.

* 78 per cent: Government should pay from existing funds.

* 34 per cent: road-user charges should help pay.

* 22 per cent: fuel taxes should be introduced.

* 2 per cent: yes to rates rises.