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What you need to know

Auckland’s population is projected to increase to at least 2.2 million by 2045 and visitor numbers are also expected to grow. This growth places pressure on transport networks, reducing performance and increasing congestion.

The Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) concluded that investment in both infrastructure and demand management tools are needed to reduce congestion in Auckland. In response, The Congestion Question, initially known as the Auckland Smarter Transport Pricing Project, was established by the Government and Auckland Council to investigate whether to introduce congestion pricing in Auckland.

In the first phase of the project, from April 2017 to the end of 2017, we established baseline data and summarised previous research and international schemes. The second phase, a more detailed investigation of options, began at the end of 2017. No date has been set for a decision, but at the end of the project, the Government and Auckland Council will have a clear understanding of the requirements and likely outcomes of a congestion pricing system for Auckland, and will be able to make decisions about whether to introduce it.

The work to date

07
Jun 2021–Aug 2021

Select Committee held inquiry into congestion pricing

The Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee held its inquiry into congestion pricing in Auckland. The Committee held hearings in Auckland and Wellington, received 435 written submissions and heard evidence from 41 oral submitters.

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06
Apr 2021–May 2021

Select Committee inquiry into Congestion Pricing

To understand the public’s view about congestion pricing, the Transport and Infrastructure Committee is holding an inquiry into whether congestion pricing should be introduced in Auckland.

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05
Nov 2020

Report on Auckland congestion pricing released

The Ministry (in conjunction with partner agencies Waka Kotahi, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Treasury and the Public Service Commission) has released a technical investigation report into Auckland congestion pricing.

More information and related documents
04
Dec 2017–Present

Second phase of The Congestion Question under way

The second phase of The Congestion Question focuses on understanding the social and network impacts of various congestion pricing scheme options, and their technical requirements. This research will inform advice to the Government and Auckland Council on whether to introduce congestion pricing in Auckland.

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03
Apr 2017–Nov 2017

Report prepared and further investigation recommended

The first phase of The Congestion Question project focused on establishing baseline data and background information to provide a foundation for the rest of the project. The Congestion Question: Phase One Report was completed in November 2017.

More information and related documents
02
Dec 2016–Apr 2017

Government and Auckland Council establish The Congestion Question project

The Congestion Question was established as a result of testing and evaluation carried out in the first phase of ATAP.

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01
Mar 2004–Aug 2008

Reports about the feasibility and desirability of road pricing and parking levies in Auckland released

In March 2004, Cabinet asked us to investigate the feasibility and desirability of road pricing and parking levies in Auckland.

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Get in touch

info@transport.govt.nz