Simplifying Auckland's traffic rules

Auckland Transport and Auckland Council are working together to merge the region’s traffic bylaws into one.

Andrew McGill, Group Manager for Transport Network Planning and Policy at Auckland Transport says there will be no changes to existing traffic rules as a result of this review. The proposal being consulted on is to consolidate the existing rules into one bylaw that covers all traffic issues, to be more efficient, effective and easier to work with.

“The aim is to have all of Auckland’s traffic-related rules in one place instead of spread across three different bylaws.”

“It won’t change how you can currently drive, park and move around Auckland, but it will help make the rules clearer and easier to follow.”

“As with all bylaw reviews, we want to hear from Aucklanders on this proposal and encourage you to give us your feedback.”

The proposal will see the rules in Auckland Transport’s Traffic Bylaw 2012, Auckland Council’s Traffic Bylaw 2015 and traffic rules from the Auckland Council Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 absorbed into a single new Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw.

Will this change anything?

This will not change how you can drive, park and move around Auckland.

However, there will be some changes to more easily address issues, such as unpermitted vehicles on beaches and heavy vehicles such as trucks where they are parked unsafely.

This will also allow Auckland Transport to respond more quickly when issues are raised with parking, such as where this causes safety concerns or damages utilities under a berm.

Finally, reviewing the bylaws is an opportunity to remove rules that are no longer needed or that can no longer be enforced by us, such as setting new speed limits which is now controlled by central government’s Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.

What is a bylaw?

Louise Mason, General Manager for Policy at Auckland Council, explains bylaws are designed to respond to issues that affect local residents.

“Different cities and regions often face issues unique to their local areas. Bylaws are local rules designed to respond to local issues and to reflect the views of the region’s communities.”

“Councils and council-controlled organisations, such as Auckland Transport, create and implement bylaws, but they need input from the public, councillors and local boards to do so. The council’s elected governing body gives the final sign-off on changes to bylaws, which can then be enforced by the police, councils and council-controlled organisations.” Have your say

You can find out more and have your say on the proposed changes on Auckland Transport’s Have Your Say page from Monday 4 November to Wednesday 4 December 2024. If you’d like to give feedback in person, you can find details of drop-in events here.