Electric vehicles – special vehicle lanes

As part of the Government’s Electric Vehicle Programme , the new measures in the Energy Innovation (Electric Vehicles and Other Matters) Amendment Bill andMinistry of Transport is working on proposed legislative and road rule changes to the Land Transport Rules willthat would enable road controlling authorities to allow electric vehicles into special vehicle lanes. These changes are expected to take effect in AugustJuly 2017.

In anticipation of these changes, the NZ Transport Agency iswill be consulting on a bylaw that would allow electric vehicles access to special vehicle lanes on state highways in Auckland.

The proposed bylaw will allow electric vehicles access to 11 priority bypass lanes (motorway onramps) in Auckland for a 12 month trial period. Consultation commenced onwill commence 22 June 2017, with details published here , and willhere , and close on 3 August 2017.

The NZ Transport Agency is sharing its experience and lessons learnt with other road controlling authorities, championing the concept and encouraging engagement. 

March trial

In early 2017, the Transport Agency ran a two week trial allowing electric vehicle drivers access to five priority bypass lanes in Auckland from 6 to 20 March 2017. Participants were asked to complete a survey, with feedback posted below.