Coasties will soon see changes to local road travel with the Government planning to introduce time of use schemes this year.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the new legislation aimed at reducing congestion and boosting economic growth on our busiest roads.

“Congestion is a tax on time and productivity,” Brown said.

“It means that we are away from home for longer, sitting in gridlock. It results in fewer jobs being done, fewer goods being moved, and delays to services across the city.”

The new time of use schemes are designed to improve network efficiency, making travel faster and more reliable.

These schemes will not be about raising revenue but enhancing productivity and reducing costs for businesses and their customers.

The Cabinet has approved a legislative framework that will allow local councils to propose time of use schemes tailored to their regions.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will collaborate with councils to design these schemes, ensuring strong oversight and that benefits are realised by motorists.

The Government will prioritise working with Auckland Council, given Auckland's significant congestion issues.

“Auckland is grappling with pressing productivity challenges that demand effective solutions,” Brown noted.

The aim is to provide faster and more reliable journeys, addressing the gridlock that has plagued the city.

Any revenue generated from time of use schemes will be reinvested into local transport infrastructure.

The Government plans to introduce a bill to Parliament before the end of the year, with public submissions to follow.