Aucklanders will soon be invited to give feedback on three initial ‘time of use’ traffic charging scenarios, which have been approved for public engagement by Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee.
Time of use charging is a type of congestion charging, but drivers only pay a fee when travelling on the roads at specific times. The Council says the system gives road users an option to change when they travel, take a different route, or switch to public transport to avoid paying the fee.
The consultation is the next step in exploring how time of use charging could help ease Auckland’s traffic challenges. The options are designed to help the council gather feedback on the approaches Aucklanders believe could work to improve travel around the city.
It’s predicted that in Auckland, 29 million hours – approximately 17 hours per person – are lost to traffic each year.
The Council says the traffic congestion drains an estimated $2.6 billion from Auckland’s economy every year, through lost personal time, reduced business investment and lower consumer spending.
While only 3 to 7% of trips would be charged under the options being explored, the Council says its modelling suggests up to 31% of drivers would benefit from more reliable travel times across the network.
Modelling also shows that those paying the charge could save up to 12 minutes per trip at peak times. They would experience a more reliable trip with less need to allow time for the uncertainty caused by congestion.
At this stage, the Council is seeking Aucklanders’ views on a range of possible scenarios. If a proposal is taken forward, the final design must go through a public consultation process, so Aucklanders can have their say before any final decisions are made.
The options target areas that are well-connected by public transport and where modelling indicates time of use charging could improve journey times across Auckland’s road network. They cover the city centre, city fringe, and key spots on central motorways.
While modelling has tested charging from $2 to $7, the highest illustrative charge for engagement is around $5 which modelling suggests would deliver time savings benefits as high as 12 minutes for some drivers. The Council says further analysis and public feedback are needed to understand affordability and broader impacts before pricing is considered.
Money collected from time of use charging would be used for transport upgrades and improvements, including public transport, into and around the charge area.
Public engagement is expected to open in November.
