Auckland mayor Len Brown says a motorway toll would help solve Auckland's transport problems and ease road congestion.
Auckland mayor Len Brown. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilsson
An advisory group commissioned by the Auckland Council offered residents the choice of the toll or of a rates rise and fuel tax to make up a $12 billion shortfall for transport projects.
The first option offered by the group was an extra 1 percent rise in property rates, and a 1.2 cent a litre annual petrol tax rise for nine years.
The other was a daytime charge of between $1 and $2.80 every time motorists hit Auckland's maze of motorways.
Mr Brown said he liked the simplicity of the rates and tax option but said the motorway charge would have the added bonus of easing road congestion.
"Both sides have some real benefits but if we really want to move on the issue of decongestion then I think the motorway charge adds an extra piece of value."
However, he said it was up to Aucklanders to decide what they wanted and that the council also wanted to encourage them to use public transport.
Mr Brown said he had asked the Government to allow the council to take the issue of transport to the community.
"The same old, same old business as usual is not good enough.
"Aucklanders are sick of this problem, and they want to do something about it and I'm saying to them and our council is saying to them that we have a plan and we by-and-large agree - what we need to do to address the issue of congestion.
"But we've got to pay for it."
