AA backs fines for empty tanks

Some drivers run out of fuel in heavy traffic areas such as the Auckland harbour bridge, Newmarket Viaduct and the Victoria Park flyover. Photo / Kenny Rodger

The Automobile Association supports Auckland motorway police who want to make it an offence to run out of fuel on the 72.7km network.

Police say a bylaw would deter motorists from using the network when fuel tanks were low. They say stranded vehicles are blocking lanes and endangering lives.

AA spokesman Simon Lambourne said yesterday that the association took police concerns seriously and would support the principle of a bylaw.

The AA, which has 265,000 Auckland members, will get a say on the proposal as part of Transport Agency talks with local authorities, emergency services and transport groups.

Mr Lambourne expected debate on what would be an appropriate fine. For example, the Transport Agency's existing bylaw to deter pedestrians on the motorway carries a $250 penalty.

"Motorists have a responsibility to others, though if running out of fuel were to draw $250 fine, that is too high. Running a red light draws a $150 fine and is far more serious a road safety risk than running out of petrol."

Mr Lambourne said the problem of breakdowns blocking lanes could also be eased by motorway designers allowing room for drivers to pull over and get assistance. At present, the AA told its emergency breakdown customers to leave their cars and wait on the other side of the barrier.

Chris Carr, of the Auckland Road Transport Association, said carriers were sympathetic to the police concerns.

"The police have better things to do than turning out to clear away cars which have run out of fuel. But I don't see why we need yet another law."

Three heavy vehicles were among the 148 vehicles which ran out of fuel on Auckland motorways during a three-week period in July last year. Agencies were unable to supply more recent figures.

Inspector Dave Walker said the July 2008 figures were specially gathered by patrols to show the Transport Agency the extent of the problem.

Normal electronic recording of police jobs does not provide for types of breakdowns.

He said the motorways unit attended 15,000 to 18,000 breakdowns a year but it became clear that around the time of fuel price hikes more motorists ran out of fuel.

In July 2008, petrol peaked at $2.19 a litre and diesel at $1.92.Yesterday, petrol was $1.69 and diesel $1.07.

The Rodney District Council infrastructure committee supports the principle of the bylaw, but Auckland, North Shore and Manukau City councils leaders are cool towards the idea, saying it smacks of revenue-gathering and will not improve road safety.