Aucklanders want to do the right thing when it comes to Climate Change.First, we must give people the freedom to choose how they get around. To protect the planet that supports us and provide for future generations, we must use less petrol and diesel as fuel. Swapping our existing vehicles for electrified versions will take too long and cost far too much to solve our transport problems. The best way to reduce emissions from transport is to drive less. This will also reduce traffic congestion and make our city a quieter, safer place for everyone. |
New Zealand's Emissions Reduction Plan calls for 20% less driving.
We're only asking for 12.5% of the bridge
- for more than 30% of the population
There is already spare capacity on the bridge, and moving towards our climate goals means that fewer and fewer motor vehicles will drive across.
We can accelerate the shift towards sustainable transport by making it more attractive.
The first step our region needs to take is to ensure a complete and connected active transport network for walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting.
This is what Climate Action looks likeWalking, jogging, scooting or riding across the bridge will be easy, safe and enjoyable for everyone. We can't expect Aucklanders to switch to sustainable transport while our city is divided. We need to give everyone the freedom to cross Auckland's harbour bridge in a healthy, sustainable way. |
We've got a plan that works. Now let's try it out.
We've got a very reasonable proposal: Let's trial using a single lane of the Auckland Harbour Bridge for 12 months, and see what impact it has. We believe that many Aucklanders will choose to walk and wheel their way across, and that before long we'll ask ourselves: "Why didn't we do this sooner?" |
We need cities to pull their weightTo reach our climate goals, New Zealand as a whole needs to drive less. But because it is more difficult to replace rural trips with things like bikes or buses, we need people living in cities to drive a whole lot less. The closer to the city centre a population lives, the easier it becomes to swap trips for things other than a private vehicle. This is where most of our climate action needs to happen - the suburbs surrounding our city centre. If Auckland Harbour Bridge remains inaccessible to people walking and cycling, this barrier could jeapordise our ability to meet our climate targets. |
We need a transport agency that can adapt, respond and solve problems. Auckland Harbour Bridge is the perfect opportunity for Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency to demonstrate that they are capable and relevant in the 21st century. After all - If they can't solve this simple problem, what hope do we have that they can address our increasing climate concerns?