International urban road pricing models in New Zealand context

Over the next decade road pricing is expected to expand in terms of its range of application in reducing congestion, toll road developments and heavy vehicle charging. The primary area of concern in New Zealand is Auckland which is already investigating possible congestion charging schemes and alternatives, but other city centres also suffer from the issues associated with traffic congestion and are looking to international examples for possible answers to the predicted future congestion problems. The purpose of this study was to examine the types of road pricing approaches and systems used in a range of international examples, and consider the underlying issues that led to key decisions on the form and structure of these systems; then to consider the applicability of these to New Zealand’s major urban areas. Based on an assessment of those cities that have implemented some form of road pricing, this summary paper: 1. defines the types of road pricing system that have been implemented in the four selected example cities; 2. defines the characteristics that have contributed to the success or otherwise of those systems; 3. considers the application of similar systems to Auckland as a New Zealand example. (a)