Auckland (The NZ Today)
Auckland motorists could eventually pay between $2 and $7 per trip to drive through some of the city’s busiest areas during peak hours, under congestion charging options now being considered by Auckland Council.
The proposals are aimed at reducing traffic pressure and creating a new funding source for transport improvements, with councillors set to decide which options will move forward for public feedback.
Three possible charging zones have been outlined.
The narrowest option would focus on the central city, with drivers paying a charge when entering the area during busy periods.
A wider approach would extend the scheme beyond the CBD into surrounding areas, including suburbs such as Newmarket and Newton, with further areas like Ponsonby and Parnell also being considered.
The largest option would cover key transport routes, including parts of Auckland’s motorway network between the Harbour Bridge, Point Chevalier and Mount Wellington.
Council analysis suggests the smaller city-centre option would be easier to introduce but would generate less money for transport upgrades.
A broader motorway-based system could bring in more revenue, which could be used to support alternatives such as rapid bus services and other public transport improvements.
The proposed charges would vary depending on the final design, with estimates ranging from $2 to $7 per journey.
The council estimates travel times could improve by several minutes, with the biggest option potentially reducing trips by up to 12 minutes during peak congestion periods.
Waitākere Ward councillor Shane Henderson said any charging system would need to come alongside better transport choices for Aucklanders.
The options are expected to be confirmed by the council’s Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee before public consultation begins in November.
A final decision on the preferred model is not expected until 2027, followed by further approval processes before any scheme could begin.
Source: RNZ reporting and Auckland Council documents.
