Skip to main content

New Zealand launches draft ITS plan

The New Zealand Government has released a draft intelligent transport systems action plan for public consultation. The plan, announced by by Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee, is open for consultation until 17 January 2014. It and sets out the government’s strategic plans takes a high-level, multimodal multi-agency approach to the introduction of new ITS technologies in New Zealand over the next four years. New Zealand has some specific challenges to the introduction of intelligent transport systems in
November 21, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
The New Zealand Government has released a draft intelligent transport systems action plan for public consultation.  The plan, announced by by Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee, is open for consultation until 17 January 2014.  It and sets out the government’s strategic plans takes a high-level, multimodal multi-agency approach to the introduction of new ITS technologies in New Zealand over the next four years.

New Zealand has some specific challenges to the introduction of intelligent transport systems including low population density, distance from international markets, the long narrow form of the country and the limited number of alternative routes should state highways or the main trunk line be unavailable.

“Intelligent transport systems have the potential to transform the operation of all modes of transport, but it is important that is introduced in a coordinated way so as to get the greatest benefit for New Zealand.

“I have asked the Ministry of Transport to lead the consultation to confirm that the government’s strategic aims are clear and that they will identify and remove barriers to the introduction of intelligent transport systems,” says Brownlee.

Brownlee says New Zealand already has some intelligent transport systems technologies in use. “Traffic control centres in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch rely heavily on technology to gather information on traffic conditions, adjust traffic signals and provide real-time information for travellers in order to operate the network efficiently.

“These deliver real-time congestion information to road users, and are increasing the carrying capacity of the Auckland motorway system by using motorway ramp signals.

“Vehicle manufacturers are also introducing advanced driver assistance systems such as self-parking cars and blind spot warning systems.”

Related Content

  • New Zealand to install electric highway to encourage EV uptake
    September 28, 2016
    BMW Group New Zealand is to partner with Charge Net NZ to help stimulate the installation of a network of fast-charging EV stations in New Zealand. More than 100 stations will be installed across the country.
  • Co-operative infrastructure reduces congestion, increases safety
    January 30, 2012
    ITS Japan's Chairman Hiroyuki Watanabe talks to ITS International about his country's progress with cooperative infrastructures and how the experience gained to date can benefit similar initiatives elsewhere. Japan gave the rest of the world a taste of the cooperative infrastructure future when, in 1996, it went live with the Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS). Designed to provide real-time traffic information and alerts to in-vehicle navigation systems with the dual aims of increasing safe
  • Alcohol interlocks aid drink drive adherence
    October 28, 2016
    The use of alcohol interlocks to prevent drink driving and change driver behaviour is gaining ground around the world but needs greater buy-in from authorities as Colin Sowman discovers. The often repeated mantra says that prevention is better than cure - and none more so than in the case of drink-driving. The introduction of the breathalyser provided an objective indication of alcohol consumption instead of having drivers touch their nose or walk in a straight line. Initially breathalysers were used as a r
  • High tech approach to improve safety on New Zealand’s state highway 1
    June 26, 2017
    A new high tech warning system, which will help to improve road safety, has been installed on State Highway 1 in New Zealand. The Rural Intersection Active Warning System at the turnoff to Moeraki Boulders is now operational and the variable speed limit is now legally enforceable.