Transporting New Zealand says a well-designed time-of-use charging scheme could improve freight productivity and journey reliability across Auckland.
The road freight association’s comments follow the opening of Auckland Council consultation on three charging options covering the city centre, city fringe and parts of the core motorway network.
Council modelling is based on example charges of between $2 and $5 during the morning peak from 7am to 10am, although no final decisions have been made on pricing or operating times.
Transporting New Zealand policy and advocacy adviser Mark Stockdale says freight operators could benefit significantly from reduced congestion.
“More reliable journeys would help freight businesses plan deliveries, use vehicles more efficiently and provide a better service to customers,” Stockdale says.
“Even a modest improvement in traffic flow could make a meaningful difference across thousands of daily freight movements.”
However, the association says any scheme must recognise that many commercial trips cannot be shifted outside peak periods because they depend on customer requirements, port bookings and delivery schedules.
“If Auckland gets the design right, time of use charging could deliver real productivity gains,” Stockdale says.
“The key is targeting trips that can realistically shift to another time or mode, rather than simply adding costs to freight movements that cannot.”
The council says between 93% and 97% of drivers would not be charged under the shortlisted options, while about one-third could receive a quicker journey.
Option A would cover the city centre. It is forecast to reduce congestion by about 4% across the isthmus and lower North Shore, saving drivers an average of 2.5 minutes during the morning peak.
Option B would cover the city fringe and could reduce congestion by 6%, saving an average of four minutes.
Option C would include the city centre and parts of the core motorway network. It could reduce congestion by about 28% across the lower North Shore, saving an average of seven minutes per trip and up to 10 minutes on longer journeys.
Auckland Council Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee chair Andy Baker says charging could help the city get more from its existing network.
“Time of use charging is one way we can start to turn the tide on traffic — alongside major public transport projects like the CRL, new busways and more frequent services,” Baker says.
“Using it to make the most of our transport network could lead to more reliable journeys, less traffic jams, and giving people up to 20 minutes back in their day, without needing to build new roads.”
Time-of-use charging applies a fee to selected roads during their busiest periods, encouraging some motorists to use public transport, carpool or travel at another time.
Cities with similar schemes typically experience congestion reductions of about 20%, according to the council.
Auckland’s regular commuters lose an average of 66 hours each year in traffic, while congestion is estimated to cost the regional economy $2.6 billion annually.
Government legislation requires revenue to cover the scheme’s operating costs first, with additional funds prioritised for transport services and projects.
Consultation closes on December 11.
