Vehicle Dependency

Within Auckland, a large proportion of people own private vehicles and there is a heavy reliance on cars, (See Image 1). 

Image 1: An example of a private vehicle in use on an Auckland road.
Source: Maharaj 2011

Now although these private vehicle owners are faced with a number of expenses such as fuel, maintenance and insurance, driving their own car is the most convenient form of transport for them. Vehicles provide that comfort and reliability that public transport just cannot deliver on. However, the amount of carbon emissions that are released into the environment as a result of car use, is of great concern. It is doing major damage to the environment yet local bodies within Auckland continue to provide opportunities for car users. For example, the South Western Motorway (SH 20). This links Mt Roskill to areas in Onehunga ie. Neilson Street and then continues onto Southern areas like the Airport and Puhinui Road. This highway has created an alternative route for commuters travelling between these areas. While this may be beneficial to car users, it is not a sustainable solution. It makes things easier for drivers and has provided them with better links and improved vehicle access. This is encouraging them to drive, which I believe is the opposite of what we should be doing. 


I feel like it would have been more effective to invest the money spent on the highway into the public transport sector or into projects that encourage cycling and walking. Providing for these forms of transport can help in reducing car use, which will have many benefits. It will relieve congestion on both roads and motorways, minimise carbon emissions and ultimately create a more sustainable environment.