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Motorists Not Impressed By Bridge Congestion Tax


Motorists Not Impressed By Bridge Congestion Tax

Author: NRMA MotoringDate: 14 March 2009

Motorists not impressed by bridge congestion tax: NRMA calls on Government to get NSW moving again.

Contrary to claims that time-of-day tolling has reduced congestion a survey of 1,800 motorists in north and north-west Sydney has found that motorists believe the system is a failure, NRMA Group CEO Tony Stuart said today.

"The NRMA survey found 91 per cent believe the new tax has failed," Mr Stuart said.

"Time-of-day tolling is a classic example of Government policy gone wrong. Eleven per cent of motorists are using alternative routes to get to work, while 90-odd per cent are paying more for the privilege of just getting to and from work.

"All that so a mere 560 cars can travel before peak-hour per day. That's not a solution to the problem and at best is moving the problem to another congested road."

Today NRMA launches RoadTube.com.au - a new website to give motorists a place to air their frustrations and offer solutions to the state's growing transport problems.

"RoadTube is part of NRMA's campaign to Get NSW Moving Again," Mr Stuart said.

"Three portable 'toll booths' will tour NSW allowing the public to record and post videos about what needs to be done to get NSW moving again. People can also upload video via webcam or mobile phone at roadtube.com.au.

"We are urging motorists to join the NRMA for this all-important campaign to fix the mess - we want to hear your views on issues such as the quality of roads and public transport, fuels, demerits, licensing and road safety.

"Politicians and leading commentators will be invited to upload videos, with the public having the option of rating what the experts have to say."

The videos will help inform NRMA's Get NSW Moving Again plan for roads and public transport in NSW.

NRMA President Wendy Machin said Get NSW Moving Again was borne of frustration among our members about the massive backlog of capital works needed across NSW.

"More than three-quarters surveyed believe they are being forced to pay for the mistakes of successive State Governments," Ms Machin said.

"The Government is trying to fight congestion by raising taxes, but the solution is to upgrade our roads, improve public transport and build more parking to get people out of their cars and on to buses and trains.

"The public wants a plan that will tackle our roads and transport problems and get NSW back on course to being Australia's premier State."

Log onto http://www.roadtube.com.au/ to view live videos and posts and for details of the toll booth tour schedule. Case studies are also available.

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