Auckland's traffic congestion impacts on Waikato business costs and efficiencies, Waikato Regional Council's policy committee has heard.
"Pretty good progress can be made along the northern Waikato stretch of SH1, until you get caught in Auckland's congested motorway - the same road we depend on for freight movements, getting marketable goods to ports and essential supplies into the Waikato and beyond," says policy committee chairwoman Paula Southgate.
"The region's economic wellbeing is reliant on efficient road and rail transport links and effective land use and this is a key reason why ongoing discussions with Auckland Council are essential.
"Land use development in Auckland, particularly to the south, could have significant impacts on the efficiency of the route that not only serves the Waikato but is a key transport corridor in the North Island," she says.
About a quarter of the nation's freight tonnage travels through the Waikato, so improving freight efficiency will help reduce the cost of goods while increasing the competitive advantage of importers and exporters.