Congestion charging must be revenue neutral

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is urging Auckland Council to ensure that any congestion charge is revenue neutral.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said:

“Congestion charging should be used to manage demand on Auckland’s busiest roads. It must not be another revenue grab.”

“At the upper end of the options being considered, a commuter could be charged $7 each way. That is $70 a week and potentially more than $3,000 a year just to get to work.”

“Aucklanders already pay for the transport network through their rates, fuel taxes and road-user charges. They should not be forced to pay again without receiving an equivalent reduction elsewhere.”

“Every net dollar raised from congestion charging should be matched by a dollar reduction in the rates bill. Anything less would turn congestion charging into just another tax.”