The Auckland Regional Council's proposed regional fuel tax is under fire from the Road Transport Forum.
The council is seeking government approval to gradually phase in the fuel tax, starting at one cent a litre, and building up to five cents a litre by July 2011.
The Transport Forum says there has not been adequate public consultation on the tax, and with fuel prices as they are, the ARC needs to be extremely careful about imposing extra costs.
However, Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett says there was wide consultation among business and community interests. He believes it is not a decision the region can walk away from.
It is planned the money will go towards improving Auckland's public transport system, including purchasing a fleet of electric trains.
The tax is likely to come into force next July if it is approved by the government.
