Auckland City Council says it will now treat motorists more leniently and fairly and will push lawmakers to cut the $150 fines nearly in half.

After a backlash over its overzealous issuing of bus lane fines, Auckland City Council today agreed to new initiatives "to ensure a fair and reasonable approach" to bus lane enforcement.

A new 4.5km stretch of motorway connecting the southern and southwestern motorways at Manukau has been opened.

Fletcher Building's construction book is 84 per cent Government-led and that won't change any time soon.

Chinese firms are eyeing local roading contracts, but some builders are voicing concern, report Anne Gibson and Fran O'Sullivan.

Taxis in large towns and cities will be fitted out with security cameras from next year in an effort to improve safety, but the cost of installing them will fall with companies and drivers.

Steven Joyce scrapped a planned crackdown on professional car thieves despite support from the Justice Ministry and police.

A shock Herald test saw a member of staff able to down nine beers before hitting the legal drink drive limit.

A decision on lowering the drink-drive limit should go to a select committee so the public can have a say, Labour leader Phil Goff says.

The Govt's decision to shelve plans to lower the drink-driving limit for adults and instead do more research has been attacked as gutless.

Govt changes creating a zero drink-drive limit for youth and repeat offenders don't go far enough, say opponents.

Yet again, taxpayers are giving the railways a helping hand - $750 million over three years. Good money after bad, or the start of the rail revival? Nick Smith reports.