A toll on Auckland's motorway could be getting closer, with mayoral candidate Phil Goff supporting it, and central Government saying it might too.
The Government once ruled it out, but it now seems all options are back on the table.
Aucklanders hate getting stuck on the motorway, but if Mayor Len Brown gets his way they may soon have to pay for the privilege.
His solution to fund the city's traffic problems and get people onto public transport is a motorway toll.
"Auckland is going to have to bite the bullet, and I've been saying this to them -- and they by and large agree with me -- and put a motorway toll in place," says Mr Brown.
He says it works for other major cities, like Guangzhou and Los Angeles. Those cities are joining Auckland for an economic summit next week, and Mr Brown plans to discuss the issue.
A $2 toll at peak times is something Mr Goff is also in favour of.
Auckland Council would need a legislation change to introduce a toll. Previously the Government rejected the idea, saying there were other, better ways of getting revenue.
But Transport Minister Simon Bridges knows desperate times call for desperate measures and is voicing support.
In the meantime, any transport funding isn't likely to come from a rates rise; an increase is expected to be announced on Friday, but at 2.4 percent it would the smallest in six years.
Newshub.
