Aucklanders pick tolls over tax or rates rise

Tolls have been backed by 51 per cent of 3418 responses received so far to a council mailout. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Motorway tolls are gaining far more support from Aucklanders than lifting rates and fuel taxes to fill a $12 billion transport funding gap over 30 years.

A snapshot Auckland Council has given the Herald of public feedback received in consultations over its 10-year budget also shows more than twice as much support for a $10.3 billion enhanced transport programme than for a stripped-down $6.9 billion version it warns will be the Super City's lot if it cannot raise extra money.

The consultations began on January 23 and remain open for submissions until March 16.

Watch Auckland Council's 'Fixing Auckland's Transport' video below.

Tolls have been backed by 51 per cent of 3418 responses received so far to a council mailout, and 17 per cent have indicated part support.

That compares with 31 per cent of responses supporting raising extra rates and fuel taxes for transport projects, and 5 per cent offering partial backing. Only 15 per cent opposed any extra charges to pay for other than a basic transport network.

But the council still has a tough task ahead to persuade the Government to allow either tolls of about $2 a motorway trip or an extra fuel tax rise of 1.2c a litre for nine years from 2016/17. Extra fuel taxes would be accompanied by additional annual rates increases of 1 per cent.

The council warns that a basic network would include between now and 2020 only a low-cost version of a long-awaited integrated fares system for buses, trains and ferries, very limited spending on roading and public transport, and no new council cycling projects.

That has upset cyclists, judging by almost 800 submissions wanting more focus on bikeways - the highest transport preference indicated ahead of buses, train, trams, roads, parking enforcement, ferries and walking, in that order.

About 70 per cent of submissions supported the enhanced plan, which includes a fully integrated fare system, railway station and ferry terminal upgrades, more bus lanes and park and ride areas, and road bridges or underpasses to replace rail level-crossings.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown yesterday welcomed the firm support for transport, and said he expected "tens of thousands" more submissions before the deadline to confirm that.

For information on how to have your say on the 10-year plan, including meeting times, visit: shapeauckland.co.nz.