National says the last thing Aucklanders want or need is a regional fuel tax.

The Government has introduced legislation allowing regions to apply the tax, in order to pay for transport-related infrastructure projects.

Funds raised in Auckland, for example, would only be spent in Auckland.

But Opposition transport spokesman Jami Lee Ross says the Government is giving the Council an easy-out.

"Auckland council's staffing expenditure has gone up by about the same amount that they want to tax Aucklanders more by. We say council get your expenditure under control before the government gives you more opportunity to tax Aucklanders."

He says the last thing Aucklanders need is a more expensive trip to work, school, or around their neighbourhoods.

"Before a new tax is put in place the council should consider its own expenditure. The council and the government fund infrastructure together, this is an easy out for the council without having to look at their own books."