Labour ‘Determined To Remove Toll Charges’

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31154, 2 September 1966, Page 8

Labour ‘Determined To Remove Toll Charges’

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, September 1.

Labour Members of Parliament were determined to eliminate all toll charges on the Christchurch-Lyttelton Road Tunnel, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) said yesterday.

Mr Kirk was replying to remarks by Mr G. P. De Latour, who opposed the proposal. “People will be quick to note Mr De Latour’s opposition to the elimination of toll charges on all those who use the tunnel,” Mr Kirk said. “This shows little appreciation of the need to combat rising transport and other costs. ‘For those who travel through the tunnel to and from work, tolls amount at present to £1 5s a week. Similarly, tolls are a cost added to farm products and needs passing through the tunnel. “Farmer, manufacturer, and wage and salary-earner alike are all ' affected by toll charges.

“The phasing-out of tolls will contribute to lowering transport costs, an'', will promote the fullest use of tunnel and harbour facilities. With these real and justifi-

able advantages, there is good reason for the elimination of tolls.

“Furthermore, it is fair and reasonable that tolls should be eliminated. The people of Christchurch, Lyttelton, the Peninsula, and elsewhere who contribute to the £32 million raised by motor and other taxes, and the £l6 million approximately of rates and other local body f.unds used to finance our nation-wide system of roads and bridges, are by virtue of toll charges being compelled to pay an extra or double tax to finance a local but integral part of New Zealand’s reading system.

“We think that tolls should be eliminated and have worked out a way in which this can be accomplished fairly. “On the other hapd, Mr De Latour seems to think that the people of Canterbury should go on paying tolls indefinitely.

“In an endeavour to justify this attitude, he talks a lot of unwarranted humbug about interfere) ce with the National Roads Board. This is, of course, just nonsense. “While his claims pn this occasion are no doubt shaped by political considerations, he might remember that they compare strangely with his complete silence when, in 1961, the National Government instructed the National Roads Board to withhold £2 million of its revenue from roading expenditure.”