Auckland congestion charges could cost drivers up to $7 per trip

Summarised by Centrist

Auckland Council has shortlisted three congestion-charging options that could see motorists pay between $2 and $7 to enter central Auckland or use parts of the motorway network during peak periods.

The first option would establish a cordon around the city centre. Drivers would pay $3 to $4 to enter during the morning peak and $2 to $3 to leave in the afternoon. Council modelling estimates it would cover 3.1% of morning peak car trips, reduce vehicle travel by 0.8%, increase public transport use by 3.6% and save drivers about four minutes.

The second option would extend the cordon to include areas such as Newmarket, Newton and potentially Parnell and Ponsonby. Charges would be $5 to $6 in the morning and $2 to $3 in the afternoon. About 5% of peak car trips would be charged, with public transport use projected to increase by 6%. Auckland City Hospital would sit inside the cordon.

The third option would cover the city centre and core motorway routes, including the Harbour Bridge and motorway sections extending to Point Chevalier and Mt Wellington. Charges would range from $5 to $7, most likely in the peak direction only. At a $5 charge, council modelling estimates 6.9% of drivers would pay, peak vehicle trips would fall by 2%, public transport use would rise by 6.9% and travel times would improve by nine to 12 minutes.

The council initially considered 13 options. Schemes with significant social impacts, limited public transport alternatives or routes through school zones were removed.

The three remaining options are expected to go out for public consultation in November. A detailed proposal would then be developed during 2027, with a final council and ministerial decision expected in early 2028.

Congestion charging could begin in 2030 or 2031. Any net revenue would be invested in transport services benefiting travel within and around the charging area.

Auckland Council estimates congestion costs the region about $2.6 billion each year.

Read more at the NZ Herald

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