Labour is disappointed but not surprised that the Western Link Route option for Kāpiti, supported by most submitters, has been cast aside in favour of the Government’s four-lane monster motorway, says Labour’s Transport spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway.
“The EPA board of inquiry decision released today is the final nail in the coffin for sensible transport infrastructure in Kāpiti.
“The monster motorway proposal has been rubber stamped despite a majority of submitters opposing it.
“Kāpiti residents know the current road is inadequate. They want to see change. But they didn’t want a wasteful highway cutting their community in half when a more prudent option was available.
“National’s obsession with roads of dubious value has trumped common sense once again.
“Unlike the Government, Labour won’t put all its eggs in one basket. Rather, we will build an efficient and effective transport network using road, rail and sea that is suited to New Zealand’s economic, environmental and social needs.
“We need to use our transport resources wisely. Today’s decision just reinforces National’s reputation for short-sightedness and reckless spending on gold-plated highways.”
