Following clusters of complaints from residents at specific locations, a controlled development programme has been running to utilise a noise camera, currently located on The Strand in downtown Auckland. The camera, on State Highway 16, records excessive noise and captures the identity of any offending heavy vehicles.
Regional Manager, Access & Use Northern, Rick Barber the Transport Agency appreciates the positive response from stakeholders to the programme. “We’ve worked for years to build positive relationships with the freight industry, and this is another example of that,” said Mr Barber. “It’s now up to our team in Access and Use to work with operators where we can identify and now show, thanks to the noise camera, the exact time and location where we know engine braking in residential areas has taken place.
“From early conversations that we’ve had, I’m pleased to say that the wider industry has shown they really want to work together with us on this,” said Mr Barber. “That means a positive outcome for everyone concerned.”
Following identification, the Transport Agency’s Access and Use team move into ‘help mode’, working together with industry groups such as National Road Carriers and with operators to encourage compliance.
Transport Agency Freight Director Harry Wilson said this is an example of a comprehensive, innovative response by the agency to a transport issue.
“The complaints we were receiving from residents showed that engine braking noise was a real concern, and we’ve acted to identify a small number of repeat offenders,” said Mr Wilson. “This is a great example of how here at the Transport Agency we’re working with our customers to provide solutions to this sort of transport challenge, and making it easier for our stakeholders in the freight supply chain to do business with us. With an increasing amount of freight movement across the country, it’s a priority for us to contribute to that balance of efficiency, safety and public acceptance.”
The programme will continue in Auckland for six months, after which future locations will be considered.