"Transit are to be congratulated for listening to the opinion of Aucklanders, who last year overwhelmingly rejected the tolling proposal," says AA spokesperson Simon Lambourne.

"Completion of the Western Ring Route must remain a top priority. The AA commissioned Allen Report shows the economic benefit to New Zealand of a completed Western Ring Route is $840 million each year. We are delighted that the Transit Board has reaffirmed its commitment to doing so by 2015."

"AA Members have expressed a clear preference for the Government to fund the $800 million shortfall needed to complete the Western Ring Route - either by using the government surplus or by borrowing the money and funding repayments from general taxation," says Mr Lambourne.

The AA says the Transit New Zealand Board decision not to toll the Western Ring Route is fantastic news.

"Transit are to be congratulated for listening to the opinion of Aucklanders, who last year overwhelmingly rejected the tolling proposal," says AA spokesperson Simon Lambourne.

"Completion of the Western Ring Route must remain a top priority. The AA commissioned Allen Report shows the economic benefit to New Zealand of a completed Western Ring Route is $840 million each year. We are delighted that the Transit Board has reaffirmed its commitment to doing so by 2015."

"AA Members have expressed a clear preference for the Government to fund the $800 million shortfall needed to complete the Western Ring Route - either by using the government surplus or by borrowing the money and funding repayments from general taxation," says Mr Lambourne.

For more information contact

Simon Lambourne
Communications Manager
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 9 966 8608
M. +64 21 659 029
E. slambourne@aa.co.nz

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.