'Car bible' editor opposes congestion charging

The editor of the "car owner's bible" is dismissing the idea of congestion charges as a hopeless solution to Auckland's traffic problems.

A 350-page Ministry of Transport document to be released on Friday is expected to touch on the possibility of road charges.

Dog and Lemon Guide editor Clive Matthew-Wilson said cities like London, where congestion charges have cut the number of cars on the road, offer alternative ways of getting to work.

He said Auckland does not have public transport, it has "cattle transport".

Mr Matthew-Wilson said Auckland has not pushed what he said was the most proven method of reducing congestion - car pooling.

He said pooling could instantly quarter the number of cars on Auckland's roads.

- NEWSTALK ZB