Govt keeping congestion charging figures secret - AA

The Government has been accused of hiding research into a possible congestion charge for Auckland.

Auckland Business Chamber this week demanded a fee for Auckland commuters who drive into the city each day. 

"We don't need a solution that is 10 years away - the problem is now, the solution needs to start now," said spokesman Michael Barnett.

AA principal advisor of infrastructure Barney Irvine says the Government needs to front up with what it knows.

"The Government has already done a lot of research into congestion charging. The problem is, it's not sharing the findings of that research. We need to see those findings, and if they show that congestion charging is right for Auckland, we need to get on with it." 

Ninety percent of Auckland commuters would be affected by the proposal, the Auckland Business Chamber says. 

"Congestion charging is a far more effective way of managing traffic behaviour than a petrol tax, and now is the time for our political leaders to start leading," said Barnett.

The AA says more research might be needed before it would back a congestion fee - research that might have already been done.

"It's definitely something we need to look at in Auckland, and we need to look at it right now. Congestion charges have worked in cities around the world," said Irvine.

"What we really need to see is some strong evidence that congestion charging is right and to show how it could work here."

The AA also wants "a really strong public transport network that attracts people to change behaviour, and really good quality walking and cycling facilities as well".

Newshub has contacted Transport Minister Phil Twyford, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter, NZTA and Auckalnd Transport for a response. 

Newshub.