Editor,
Kāpiti Observer’s correspondent Mr. Lester makes an odd assertion (Thursday, 22 July 2010) in that he thinks waiting until at least 2021 for relief to slow traffic on SH1 is better than a solution completed in 2012. As a candidate for our Council I am surprised that he has already shown that he will not represent the rights of Kāpiti on this issue preferring instead to support a perceived superior National interest.
I will be voting for Councillors who will stand up and fight for Kāpiti, our community and our environment, and am quite amazed that a person looking for our vote effectively says ‘sod Kāpiti, lets look after the truckies!’
Let us be clear; it took several years to consult with the community and come up with a roading solution acceptable to both Transit and the local community. What started as a planned motorway 50 years ago, became an over large 4 lane ‘link road’ in 1996, then was modified recently, and after much community input, to become a truly local 2 lane road linking our communities, and relieving 25% of the traffic on SH1.
Even NZTA accept that that solution would have been sufficient for the SH until 2030; add in improvements to flow on the State Highway, and extending the passenger rail service to Waikanae, and we had a permanent solution. One that we would have enjoyed in 2 years time.
Now, road users have to wait until 2021, and the community is threatened with a motorway through our very heart. And yes, it is the current National government which is responsible for this mess.
Nick Fisher
Raumati