$$$ Gas = Roads ???

[vifferman]

Basic maintenance is all that we need and we still can't get that!

That's because for a very long time the gummint has been siphoning off the "road tax" into the consolidated fund, instead of fixing roads with it.

[gsxr750]

The paper said the money was not going on Waikato Roads and the morning TV was full of rich Auckland businesses saying how Auckalnd deserves it all.

Apologies to our resident JAFAs but I'm tired of the rest of us footing the bill for Orcland streets.

Fark's Sake! I've seen the rates up there - more than enough to pay for the upkeep on Auckland's roading if the slimebag mayors and scumbag councillors stopped lining their pockets for once and spent the rates on improving the city - it's not like they're paupers - they all own businesses and or rental properties which pay them well in addition to what they pull down in Junior Govt salary.

The tax from petrol should be disbursed into funding for roads in the areas whence it was gathered. If Auckland's big businesses want better roading, they can damned well charge more for petrol up in Auckland and increase the wages of the employees to cover the increased cost of living (I.e - the sodding big businesses can pay for it)

Hamilton, Manukau, Howick, Central, wh.. wha.. (Henderson way), Nth Shore, Owrewa etc etc

All one city

Nick

[ManDownUnder]

That's because for a very long time the gummint has been siphoning off the "road tax" into the consolidated fund, instead of fixing roads with it.

Don't tell me Auckland's money has been going OUT OF AUCKLAND???

Bastards!

[Lou Girardin]

Now that the can is open, the worms are going for it!
Why don't they use the new levy to subsidise those of us that want to leave Auckland.
Just a few grand a year to maintain our lifestyle isn't too much to ask, is it?
Ever other bugger gets a benefit, I want one too.

[Jonty]

Now that the can is open, the worms are going for it!
Why don't they use the new levy to subsidise those of us that want to leave Auckland.
Just a few grand a year to maintain our lifestyle isn't too much to ask, is it?
Ever other bugger gets a benefit, I want one too.

ha ha actually not a stupid idea. Paying people to leave auckland can:

1) ease congestion meaning no need for improved roading
2) fix the worker shortages in southland
3) prevent the closure of rural schools
4) teach upper class auckland girls the difference between a sheep and a goat (I was once asked this very question)
5) teach southland girls how to wear a g string without white pants

the list is endless

[SPman]

My two cents worth - I am a firm believer in user pays. If Auckland needs its road fixed, Auckland should pay for it.

Auckland has been (allegedly) paying 3c/litre more than the rest of the country in taxes, for the last 2 years. Allegedly to pay for roading improvements up here! That vanished without trace, didn't it!
Lying Motherfuckers!

[marty]

convert to LPG - it's exempt from road tax, won't get the 5c price rise, and is currently available for as little as 61c a litre

[MacD]

If you want to see where the money comes from to fund national roading have a look at this PDF on the Transfund site.

The projected income from fuel excise is $1241M, of which about 49% ($616M) goes to the government coffers or Crown Account. That leaves a bit more ($625M) left for road funding.

The government is making a "contribution" of $42M from the Crown Account ($616M) and tagging it for funding roading in the Auckland region. That is only 6.8% of the Crown Account money.

So, while there is a subsidy going back specifically to Auckland (mainly to pay for regional roading/motorway development) you could argue that as the greater Auckland region makes up about 25% of the population we're still being short-changed. It's just that we're being slightly less short-changed than the rest of you!

And guess who's paid for all those highways in rural areas of NZ, not the local ratepayers that's for sure!

And anyhow I predict that the Blues will win the Super12 this year

[Sheep Dags]

there is 1 main reason why they tax across the board with an increase in fuel prices and not taxing aucklanders more...
while every non-aucklander is crying about the fact that they should pay for roads that they will never use, the government takes their "road tax" and distributes it to the poor people that had babies when they shouldn't have, and others that can't quite work a full week so need their bank balances topping up. The government doesn't need any more money in the road fund, they have shitloads! And as an Aucklander, I've yet to see any improvement in the roads anyway, so we're not seeing squat of our (and your) "road tax" either!

and while we're on the subject, don't fuckin own a diesel vehicle cause you'll be calling instant finance every time you need to fill up. : P its all a big conspiracy i tells ya!

[Gasman]

convert to LPG - it's exempt from road tax, won't get the 5c price rise, and is currently available for as little as 61c a litre

Excellent idea, but LPG is taxed at 10 cents a litre too, so we don't escape totally. Still MUCH cheaper than petrol though, and the latest technology makes the car's performance just as good as petrol.

Rather be riding though........