Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller is awaiting a response from Transport Minister Phil Twyford, after formally inviting him to experience for himself the stretch of road between Omokoroa and Tauranga.

The request has been made by a formal invitation, which was sent to Phil earlier this week, challenging him to drive State Highway 2 during his scheduled visit to the region next month.

'The Minister is scheduled to visit Tauranga for the first time in his capacity as Minister of Transport,” says Todd.

'I've written a letter, formally inviting him to drive the stretch of road between Omokoroa and Tauranga during the morning rush hour so he can see first-hand what our community is dealing with on a daily basis.

'To get a real sense of the issue you need to experience it as locals do – bumper to bumper for hours on end.

'I think that might offer some real world perspective to the issue and give a better sense of the urgency – I just hope he doesn't have a meeting he needs to get to in a hurry afterward, as some mornings there is quite a delay.”

In 2017, the National Government announced a new Road of National Significance stretching from Tauranga to Katikati.

Todd says the project is vital for the growth of the Bay of Plenty region to help improve road safety, travel times and boost regional economic growth.

'Work was also due to begin on the Tauranga Northern Link this year and my understanding is that the Labour Government is yet to commit to this project.

'The road is the most dangerous stretch of highway in the country, and it's not good enough to push it back any further.”

He says in a perfect world, the invitation may entice Phil to make a decision to proceed with the northern link.

'Or even better to build a Road of National Significance all the way through to Katikati.”

Todd says the need for the road to be improved is crucial.

'This roading upgrade is a vital piece in the puzzle that is our local transport network. The road will improve safety, travel times and efficiency.

'Less time spent on the road is more time spent at home with family, or being productive at work. Nobody wants to sit in stand-still traffic for hours each day.”

He's hoping for a quick response.

'I sent the letter on Monday, so I'm hoping to have a response fairly quickly. The Minister's visit is scheduled for mid-April so we have plenty of time to work something into his schedule if he is willing to accommodate the request.

'On December 12 last year, I asked the Minister in the House if he could confirm that the construction of the Tauranga Northern Link would commence as expected in 2018.

'He declined to confirm this. That is why I launched a petition with my colleague Scott Simpson in January this year - to try and send a clear message.

'It's great to see the community have also initiated their own petition to the Regional Council to help ensure this road remains a priority – grass roots democracy in action.”

Minister Phil Twyford is yet to respond to the invitation.