Auckland drivers could face a charge to use parts of the city’s motorways during peak times in the coming years.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told Breakfast this would not be a congestion charge, but a “time of use” charge, designed to discourage people from driving on the motorway at traditionally busy times of the day.
The use of congestion charges has been touted as a solution to traffic woes in Auckland for some time now.
While such schemes have benefits for reducing congestion and encouraging people to find more sustainable ways of travelling, congestion charges could potentially disadvantage others who are already struggling.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why have a congestion (or “time of use”) charge?
Mayor Wayne Brown said it's about "encouraging a different behaviour". (Source: Breakfast)
Congestion charging is the direct and automatic billing of people using roads at certain times or locations.
The charge is a means of trying to reduce congestion on busy roads. According to a government agency report, The Congestion Question, it encourages some motorists to change the time, route or method of their travel. Others may choose not to travel at all.
The report found a congestion charge could reduce traffic by eight to 12%, which could allow for “significant increases in efficiency”.
Proponents of congestion charges also talk up the potential for getting more people to use public transport and thereby reduce transport emissions, which make up a significant portion of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
How has it worked elsewhere?
Singapore introduced congestion charging in 1975, with the idea eventually catching on in cities like London, Milan and Stockholm.
The congestion charge most New Zealanders are probably familiar with is that found in London, which was first introduced 20 years ago.
London’s congestion charge is currently £15 ($31). Auckland’s potential “time of use” charge could be closer to $5, according to Mayor Brown.
London’s congestion charge applies to certain parts of the city from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 6pm on weekends and public holidays (except between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
Vehicle numbers have reportedly reduced by 33% in its congestion zone.
What are the downsides?
The equity of these types of charges is a common concern, according to The Congestion Question report.
Submissions made to the select committee on this issue in 2021 highlighted that congestion charges might not be affordable or reasonable for people on low incomes and people doing shift work.
Others said congestion charges could prove another barrier for people with disabilities or different mobility needs, even with some travel discounts through the Total Mobility scheme.
Women could also be more affected, as they are more likely to be in caregiving roles for both children and older relatives, and therefore having to make more trips that are difficult to do via public transport.
There are also concerns about Auckland’s current public transport options and how viable they are for many in the city as an alternative.
“Rat running”, where drivers increasingly use other roads not included in the charge zone, has also been flagged as a potential problem.
But Mayor Brown told Newstalk ZB yesterday that travelling at peak times is “easily avoidable”.
He emphasised that point on Breakfast, saying the Covid-19 pandemic had already changed people’s working habits.
So, where to from here?
Congestion pricing will be on the agenda at Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee meeting tomorrow.
Mayor Brown told Breakfast he would have introduced this charge last year if he could have. He was concerned "brigades of bureaucrats" would make the implementation of congestion charges more difficult.
Northern Infrastructure Forum (NIF) Chair Simon Bridges was more upbeat in his assessment of the situation going forward.
“The enabling legislation for congestion pricing has been drafted and, with consensus support for congestion pricing across the main parties, the expectation is that it will be picked up by the incoming government early in this term,” he said.
“There’s a real sense that, at last, the stars are aligning for congestion pricing.”
Prior to the election, the National Party said it would introduce congestion charging to help reduce travel times in New Zealand’s most congested cities.
Its transport spokesperson, Simeon Brown, has previously said it could take two to three years to introduce congestion charges.
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