Roads at standstill despite spend-up

Michael Barnett says there is no one silver bullet for Auckland's transport needs. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland Business Forum chairman Michael Barnett says the region is still playing catch-up when it comes to road spending and development, despite new projects being announced by the new Government.

He welcomes the commitment by the Key administration to complete the existing arterial network but says there needs to be a vision beyond 2015. "With a complete roading network you have options and choices, especially for public transport."

Barnett applauds Transport Minister Steven Joyce's prompt decision on the State Highway 20 Waterview link in Avondale and the Victoria Park tunnel approach to the Auckland Harbour Bridge as a benefit to business which would make a significant contribution to GDP.

Barnett says it is possible to "consult to death" on infrastructure but the need to have an integrated transport system for moving people and freight efficiently across Auckland is paramount. "There have been knowingly a lot of mistruths around the Waterview link. There are people who talk about the loss of green space but that green space was designated for road or rail. There were people who bought houses or land there in the past 20 years who knew there were designations for road or rail."

He says the environmental planning of motorways has improved dramatically in recent years and people should welcome the new links. "At the end of the day we do need a network of roads and once we have done that we can look at better bus services and things like congestion charges."

The public debate has moved on from a single solution to Auckland's transport needs, such as a choice between better public transport and more roads, to a comprehensive approach. "There is no one silver bullet to Auckland's transport needs"

Barnett says people are starting to look at the productivity gains that could be achieved by an efficient transport network but planning for future transport needs is inadequate. "We are planning ... not future-proofing. We are standing still. By 2015 when the network is complete we will have done little else but stood still."

He urges people to look at developments such a third harbour crossing, an east-west link and better roads to extend Auckland into Northland and Waikato.

The forum was formed in 1999 out of frustration at the increasing time-cost to businesses - estimated at $1 billion annually - arising from Auckland's severe traffic congestion. Its members include the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce, EMA (Northern), Ports of Auckland, Auckland International Airport, NZAA and National Road Carriers. The NZ Council for Infrastructure Development is an associate member. The forum believes Auckland's traffic congestion is due to a long-standing failure to build a transport system which is able to keep pace with the region's economic growth and lifestyle.