Govt: National contradictory on road toll policies

RADIO NEW ZEALAND: Transport Minister Annette King says the National Party seems to have several different positions on road tolls.

National transport spokesperson Maurice Williamson said on Sunday that the party's policies for building roads would lead to some motorists paying up to $50 a week, or between $3 and $5 a trip, on some roads.

But deputy leader Bill English backed away from that on Monday, describing Mr Williamson's comments as "a bit exuberant".

He said $2 tolls are more reasonable.

He told Nine to Noon on Monday that New Zealand has little opportunity for tolls because it does not have the traffic volumes of countries such as Australia. He said $2 tolls are more reasonable.

Ms King told Nine to Noon the Government has built considerable infrastructure without the need for partnerships with the private sector.

She said such partnerships are not a panacea for roading because projects have to be a certain size to attract private funding.

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