95bFM High Court rules Auckland Transport not legally required to comply with the council's own climate plans
15 July, 2022
Interview by Casper McGuire
Zoe Brentnall from All Aboard Aotearoa tsays that it is unacceptable in 2022 to have a transport plan that does nothing about climate change. Photo: Unsplash.
The High Court has ruled in favour of the council-managed organisation Auckland Transport in a case brought against the council by All Aboard Aotearoa.
The case was over AT's ten-year Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP), which would increase transport emissions by 6% before 2030.
If effective, the government's clean car policy and shift to biofuels will mean the final result will be a paltry 1% reduction.
The coalition group of climate advocates accused the council and AT of failing to comply with the council's own climate plans.
Auckland Council has stated that the city needs to reduce transport emissions by 64% in the next eight years to support the country's goal of halving total emissions by 2030.
The High Court ruled that there is no legal requirement for the RLTP to be consistent with New Zealand's climate declaration and commitments.
Zoe Brentnall from All Aboard Aotearoa told 95bFM's The Wire that it is unacceptable in 2022 to have a transport plan that does nothing about climate change.
"This plan is completely out of kilter with what the council and the government say they want to do."
In a statement following the judgement, Auckland Transport said they are committed to reducing Auckland's transport emissions.
"Climate change is an extraordinarily important issue for Auckland to address, and much work is needed to reduce our transport emissions."
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