Aucklanders could be paying time-of-use charges on the city's motorways and arterial routes as soon as 2026 if a scheme approved for the design phase today is successful.
Councillors at the Transport and Infrastructure Committee gave the design phase the green light and endorsed the scheme's objectives to reduce congestion, increase movement of people and goods, and improve the reliability of the roading network.
Time-of-use — or congestion — charging has long been touted as a solution to Auckland's traffic woes. Motorists are charged for driving on heavily congested roads, applied at different times and in different locations.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown today said time-of-use charging would make roads less congested without waiting for "more expensive and unaffordable motorways".
"It's about making the most of what we have and bringing Auckland in line with similar cities. It's a tried and tested solution, and one that’s relatively low-cost."
An Auckland Council statement today said the initiative would need to be supported by "reliable" public transport.
"If the scheme is successful, it is due to launch alongside the City Rail Link in 2026."
The $5.5b City Rail Link would provide two new underground stations in Auckland CBD and increased train capacity by transforming Waitematā (Britomart) into a through station rather than the current terminus.
Formal public consultation would be a "key part" of developing the process, the statement continued.
"It must reflect the needs of those using the transport network, ensuring they’re still able to get to where they need to be, when they need to be there."
Next steps included designing the scheme, firming up the details and working with local boards, Mana Whenua and key stakeholders.
"The council and Auckland Transport will also work with central government."
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