[Greens-Media] *Media Release: RACQ Congestion Charge on the Right Road*

[Qld Greens Media]

*Media Release: RACQ Congestion Charge on the Right Road*


*The RACQ's support for the Greens’ policy of a traffic congestion 
charge is welcome, according to North Brisbane Greens candidates Larissa 
Waters (Brisbane Central), James White (Aspley), Justin Wells 
(Clayfield) and Sam Clifford (Stafford).*


“The RACQ is recommending a congestion tax on peak hour traffic 
traveling in the CBD in order to discourage people from driving. This is 
an essential part of the Greens’ policy for North Brisbane and we 
welcome the support of the RACQ on this initiative. The BCC and State 
government would do well to study the many overseas success stories, 
rather than reject the idea out of hand as Transport Minister has done 
this morning,” the candidates said.

"The money raised, however, shouldn't be used on more bypasses. Brisbane 
should follow Singapore’s lead, with congestion charges used to finance 
more frequent public transport services to further encourage people to 
get out of their cars and into buses and trains,” said Clayfield 
candidate Justin Wells, a noted sustainable transport campaigner.

"With the funds for the $3 billion NSBT and associated TransApex cost 
blowouts, Brisbane could be extending rail services to Ripley Valley, 
creating and servicing cross-city bus routes and running trains more 
frequently.”

"We don't need expensive bypasses and tunnels; as they will not solve 
any of Brisbane’s traffic congestion problems. By getting people out of 
their cars, congestion charges are a proven way to prevent our cities 
from becoming those who absolutely need to make the trip in a car will 
be able to do so, sharing a clearer road with fast, full, comfortable 
and modern buses,” public environmental lawyer Larissa Waters added.

“The Greens’ idea of a congestion tax gives commuters a real incentive 
to take public transport, especially if the user charge ends up being 
higher than the cost of a daily ticket. We already use taxes and user 
pays excises to reduce what is deemed to be harmful behaviour in order 
to fund what we deem beneficial. The gambling fund, cigarette and beer 
excises are all examples of raising revenue to tackle the problems they 
cause. Why not do the same with transport?" Stafford candidate Sam 
Clifford asked.


The Greens’ transport policy, released during the first week of the 
campaign, calls for the application of travel demand-management 
mechanisms such as restructuring of registration charges to 
significantly advantage high fuel economy, alternative fuel and hybrid 
vehicles; and congestion pricing via electronic road charging, toll 
rings and higher parking charges. The Greens would mitigate the impact 
of a congestion charge on the poor by using the funds raised for fare 
discounting on public transport for lower income groups.


*Justin Wells (0423 119 660) Larissa Waters (0421 844 280) James White 
(0427 828 675) Sam Clifford (0422 987 070) #ENDS*

-- 
www.qld.greens.org.au

State election Spokesperson. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110

Queensland Greens media spokespeople.

Climate Change and Indigenous. Drew Hutton 0428 487 110
Human Rights and Environment. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110
Transport and Planning. Greg George 0424 725 719

Queensland Greens campaign coordinator.
Ian Gittus 0422 542 370

Office 3846 0862
fax 3844 4654

www.qld.greens.org.au