Latest reports show that Auckland councillors have thrown their weight behind a plan that is expected to significantly change how they move around the city over the next eight years as part of efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets.
At least three councillors voted against adopting the Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway (TERP) which outlines in detail what will need to be done to deliver Auckand’s pledge to halve carbon emissions by 2030 – requiring transport emissions to fall by 64%.
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Halving the distance driven in the city, with 32% of the fleet electric vehicles, a nine-fold increase in public transport use from current levels and a 17-fold increase in the share of trips made on foot, cycles or scooters are among the key elements.
Officials said TERP was technically doable and while not separately cost, the mayor Phil Goff said climate funding from the council and government, along with re-prioritising planned spending would be needed.
According to the chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Richard Hills the strategy “is not about the stick approach, it’s about giving people options” to driving.
“We are elected to show leadership, and we should show that,” Goff was quoted as saying.
Story was adapted from Stuff.
