Issue with motorway onramp transit lanes - 2018

[Colinspocket]

Hi all, long time occasional lurker, first time poster. I apologise if my searching hasn't been up to scratch. I found This thread from back in 2009 (https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/89918-T2-Lanes-again!?highlight=transit+lane), but I'm having issues with the police and NZTA about motorway onramp transit lanes.

I was pulled over in April for using the T2 lane on the SH16 (northwestern motorway) Great North Road citybound onramp. The initial stated cause of the traffic stop was for not having the required number of passengers. When I received the written warning I raised it with police. This initial cause was then scrubbed but changed to the fact that motorcycles are not allowed to use the lane due to not being on the sign.

I have involved the NZTA, and an investigation has supposedly been raised, but with no resolution after almost two months it's starting to seem like it's ground to a halt, and I'm still sitting here with a black mark on my licence.

I'm not about to stop fighting this, as this issue seems to have occurred and been resolved before. As motorcyclists we have a strong vested interest in ensuring the road rules are enforced properly for our safety. I don't want any other motorcyclist to be ticketed for using lanes they seem to be fully entitled to.

After two months there are a lot of details to my story but unless they are relevant I'll leave them out in the interest of brevity. There have also been some interesting comments from the police, such as their belief that "most motorcyclists do not use the transit lanes, which would indicate to them that most seem to know the rules".

I would very much appreciate if it anyone would have any resources that would assist me in trying to convince the police that motorcyclists are permitted to use the transit lanes, or convince the NZTA to conclude their investigation and respond to the police. Otherwise if anyone has any contacts in either organisation that would be interested in assisting in my case I would love to get in touch with them. I understand the difficulty of this however, as I do not want to put anyone in a compromising position of having to argue with their colleagues.

Nga mihi.

[caseye]

Hi all, long time occasional lurker, first time poster. I apologise if my searching hasn't been up to scratch. I found This thread from back in 2009 (https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/89918-T2-Lanes-again!?highlight=transit+lane), but I'm having issues with the police and NZTA about motorway onramp transit lanes.

I was pulled over in April for using the T2 lane on the SH16 (northwestern motorway) Great North Road citybound onramp. The initial stated cause of the traffic stop was for not having the required number of passengers. When I received the written warning I raised it with police. This initial cause was then scrubbed but changed to the fact that motorcycles are not allowed to use the lane due to not being on the sign.

I have involved the NZTA, and an investigation has supposedly been raised, but with no resolution after almost two months it's starting to seem like it's ground to a halt, and I'm still sitting here with a black mark on my licence.

I'm not about to stop fighting this, as this issue seems to have occurred and been resolved before. As motorcyclists we have a strong vested interest in ensuring the road rules are enforced properly for our safety. I don't want any other motorcyclist to be ticketed for using lanes they seem to be fully entitled to.

After two months there are a lot of details to my story but unless they are relevant I'll leave them out in the interest of brevity. There have also been some interesting comments from the police, such as their belief that "most motorcyclists do not use the transit lanes, which would indicate to them that most seem to know the rules".

I would very much appreciate if it anyone would have any resources that would assist me in trying to convince the police that motorcyclists are permitted to use the transit lanes, or convince the NZTA to conclude their investigation and respond to the police. Otherwise if anyone has any contacts in either organisation that would be interested in assisting in my case I would love to get in touch with them. I understand the difficulty of this however, as I do not want to put anyone in a compromising position of having to argue with their colleagues.

Nga mihi.

It's my understanding that if it don't hav e a M/cycle onit, you should not be thee, Rastus or Scummy may be better ewquipped to answer your query.

[The End]

Good on ya for sticking up for yourself.

Not a lawyer, but...

Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 1.6 (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM302197.html?search=sw_096be8ed8168ca80_%22trans it+lane%22_25_se&p=1&sr=0)



transit lane means a lane reserved for the use of—
(a)
the following (unless specifically excluded by a sign installed at the start of the lane):
(i)
passenger service vehicles:
(ii)
motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of persons (including the driver) specified on the sign:
(iii)
cycles:
(iv)
motorcycles:
(v)
mopeds; and
(b)
electric vehicles (if specifically included by a sign installed at the start of the lane)


Also seems like it was discussed thoroughly here:
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/89918-T2-Lanes-again!?highlight=transit+lane

More importantly this post and attached PDF - signed written proof that motorcycles can use transit lanes
https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/89918-T2-Lanes-again!?p=1913576#post1913576



A̶l̶s̶o̶ ̶I̶ ̶s̶w̶e̶a̶r̶ ̶I̶'̶v̶e̶ ̶s̶e̶e̶n̶ ̶v̶i̶d̶e̶o̶s̶ ̶r̶e̶c̶e̶n̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶p̶u̶t̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶b̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶N̶Z̶T̶A̶ ̶o̶r̶ ̶s̶i̶m̶i̶l̶a̶r̶ ̶w̶h̶e̶r̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶y̶ ̶e̶x̶p̶l̶i̶c̶i̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶s̶h̶o̶w̶ ̶w̶h̶a̶t̶ ̶l̶a̶n̶e̶s̶ ̶w̶e̶ ̶c̶a̶n̶ ̶u̶s̶e̶ ̶-̶ ̶B̶u̶s̶ ̶l̶a̶n̶e̶s̶ ̶v̶s̶ ̶s̶p̶e̶c̶i̶a̶l̶ ̶l̶a̶n̶e̶s̶ ̶e̶t̶c̶.̶ ̶C̶a̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶s̶e̶e̶m̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶f̶i̶n̶d̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶l̶o̶o̶d̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶h̶o̶u̶g̶h̶.̶ ̶ ̶I̶t̶ ̶m̶i̶g̶h̶t̶'̶v̶e̶ ̶b̶e̶e̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶F̶a̶c̶e̶b̶o̶o̶k̶ ̶o̶r̶ ̶Y̶o̶u̶T̶u̶b̶e̶,̶ ̶n̶o̶t̶ ̶s̶u̶r̶e̶.̶



EDIT: FOUND THE FUCKER! Go to 0:22. It explicitly says "You can ride in Transit lanes, that's T2 or T3 lanes".


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgs_Hf67RwE



CASE CLOSED! BUY ME A BEER! :not: :banana:

[Murray]

It's my understanding that if it don't hav e a M/cycle onit, you should not be thee, Rastus or Scummy may be better ewquipped to answer your query.

You on the beers Mark?

[Berries]

Not living in the grand metropolis I have had no need to know the legalities of riding in a T2 lane.

This Auckland Transport link says you can. (https://at.govt.nz/driving-parking/ways-to-get-around-auckland/carpooling/bus-transit-priority-lanes/how-to-use-bus-and-transit-lanes/#motorcyclists)

This NZTA link says you can. (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/cycling/cycling-network-guidance/designing-a-cycle-facility/between-intersections/transit-lanes/)

Ok. Neither link references any legislation but based on the content it would appear as if it is perfectly legal to ride a motorbike in a T2 lane unless the sign says motorbikes are not allowed.

Nothing specific in the Road User Rule however I would point out this definition -




transit lane means a lane reserved for the use of—
(a)
the following (unless specifically excluded by a sign installed at the start of the lane):
(i) passenger service vehicles:
(ii) motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of persons (including the driver) specified on the sign:
(iii) cycles:
(iv) motorcycles:
(v) mopeds; and
(b)
electric vehicles (if specifically included by a sign installed at the start of the lane).

If you read what it says in the NZTA link you could interpret it as has been done here where it says any vehicle using a T2 lane has to have two passengers, including motorbikes. (https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/roadcode-questions/car/behaviour/on-a-transit-lane-sign-what-does-t2-mean/) That to me rules out bicycles completely apart from tandems which cannot be the intent. It would also prohibit empty buses from using it as well which can't be right. The definition in the RUR makes it quite clear that passenger service vehicles, cycles, motorcycles and mopeds can use them and motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of persons specified on the sign.

Can understand the frustration but based on the two first links I would have to say both AT and NZTA are suggesting it is perfectly ok and the RUR makes it clear that it is in a legal sense, unless the sign specifically excludes motorbikes. That would be more than enough for me to argue the point. Remember, just being a policeman does not make you an expert on any kind of legislation. You could point out the above definition to them and see what happens.

[rastuscat]

Remember, just being a policeman does not make you an expert on any kind of legislation. You could point out the above definition to them and see what happens.

Best comment yet.

Basically, there are too many rules for everyone to know everything. The problem arises when a police officer thinks they lnow the rules, but they only know msybe 95% of them.

Motorcycle specific rules don't get much publicity, as motorcyclists are a minority most folk don't give much thought to.

Around 50% of the motorcyclists using bus lanes in Christchurch think they are breaking the rules, so don't just blame everyone else.

As far as I know, without dredging the legislation, having a wee motorcycle picture on the sign isn't a legal instruction.

I'll have a fun trawl through the legislation later this morning.

[Voltaire]

Wasn't there some issue with ownership of the roads where these are?, council said yes to MC's but motorways not?

I don't pay any attention to the difference and use the transit lane if it suits.

Given the raft of information /\ /\ I'd print it all out send it to the petty bureaucrat ( probably in Wellinton), with a letter saying that its

perfectly

legal to do it and you will not be paying the fine as the Policeman was wrong.

If it goes to court ( which I would probably do for this) if its not clear then its not very enforceable.

I have to deal with these Auditer type fuckwits on a daily basis and the sooner you shut them down the better.

Note: what kind of pathetic cop would pull over a motorcycle in Auckland traffic...., go solve a burglary, the hundreds of drivers playing with

cell phones or something useful, this is the sort of

thing that loses them credibility.

[Voltaire]

Best comment yet.

Basically, there are too many rules for everyone to know everything. The problem arises when a police officer thinks they lnow the rules, but they only know msybe 95% of them.

Motorcycle specific rules don't get much publicity, as motorcyclists are a minority most folk don't give much thought to.

Around 50% of the motorcyclists using bus lanes in Christchurch think they are breaking the rules, so don't just blame everyone else.

As far as I know, without dredging the legislation, having a wee motorcycle picture on the sign isn't a legal instruction.

I'll have a fun trawl through the legislation later this morning.

:lol: They have a manual...called the Road Code. If there is nothing in there about motorcycles using the Transit Lane then they should not be taking it upon themselves to be Judge and Jury. Maybe they should employ backpackers too.

[rastuscat]

:lol: They have a manual...called the Road Code. If there is nothing in there about motorcycles using the Transit Lane then they should not be taking it upon themselves to be Judge and Jury. Maybe they should employ backpackers too.

Police don't enforce the Road Code. The Road Code is someones interpretation of the legislation.

Police enforce the legislation. And it's a quagmire.

Anyway, back on topic.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/traffic-control-devices-2004/#part2

If you have a look at the legal definition of Transit Lane, it specifically includes motorcycles. So if a lane is a Transit Lane, unless the sign specifically excludes a particular class of vehicle, they are for the use of


Transit lane means a lane reserved for the use of the following (unless specifically excluded by a sign installed at the start of the lane):
(a) passenger service vehicles;
(b) motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of persons (including the driver) specified on the sign;
(c) cycles;
(d) motorcycles.

Trust this clarifies.

[Moi]

This is the beginning of said Transit Lane on the SH16 (northwestern motorway) Great North Road citybound onramp

Beginning of Transit Lane (www.google.co.nz/maps/@-36.8715348,174.7046318,3a,27.3y,299.28h,81.65t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swyWCwI8iPaJTWILqHNMnng!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656)

and a closer view of the sign:

Close-up of sign (https://www.google.co.nz/maps/@-36.8714512,174.704568,3a,15y,298.14h,89.99t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sDPyXLqsg0u2nMjUZlUxf9w!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656)

The sign indicates: Transit Lane for T2, trucks 3.5t [I presume that means over 3.5t] and EV which according to the legislation Berries quoted above EVs are excluded unless there's a symbol to show they are included. The quoted legislation states that motorcycles are included as well as cycles and mopeds, however as this is a motorway the later two are forbidden to use a motorway and the cycles are excluded by the sign which accompanies the variable speed limit sign:

Prohibition signs (https://www.google.co.nz/maps/@-36.8718484,174.704816,3a,19.8y,318.67h,91.12t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjujcUqhJkuueOh7R7OTnsg!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656)


I'm no legal person but I think that the OP has very good case against the police issued ticket as the legislation says he may [has permission] to use that particular lane.


Where there has been confusion in the past, and I don't believe it has been correctly sorted even now, is over "Bus Only Lanes" where the sign says just that but according to the legislation, if I remember it correctly, the sign also needs to have smaller signs attached which prohibit over vehicles from using the bus only lane which are normally allowed by the legislation to use a Bus Lane. There was discussion about this point the other year on here.

BTW, Rastus in your new job, Congrats on that - well done, do you know if there is an equivalent position in the Auckland area? If there is, then this would certainly be something that person could look into and have the signage corrected both for AT controlled roads and NZTA/Auckland Motorways controlled roads - the Bus Only Lanes is one that could be a starting point.

[samgab]

I'm astonished that any Auckland Police officers would even pull you over for using the T2 Motorway onramp lane on a motorcycle, as long as you weren't speeding.
You're definitely permitted to use them on a motorcycle, unless it's a lane that specifies "buses only" such as on the North Shore "Northern Busway" (EDIT, or unless it is a lane that specifically excludes motorcycles and is clearly signposted with that exclusion).
All the links have been posted above which show this to be the case.
Motorcycles are allowed to use T2 lanes, T3 lanes, and bus lanes.

"Rules for using bus and T2 or T3 transit lanes

General rules


Vehicles must not stop or park in any bus or transit lane unless they are permitted to use the lane or the vehicle is an emergency vehicle (ambulance, police car, fire engine etc.) that is being used in an emergency and is operating its beacons.
Do not turn left out of a junction into a transit lane and travel for longer than 50 metres. Wait for a break in traffic on the all user lane before turning left.
If operating times are not specified on lane signage, a lane operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If operating times are specified, the lane operates as a normal lane (no restrictions) outside those specified times.


Bus lanes


Only for use by buses, bikes, motorbikes and mopeds during the restriction times (except the Northern Busway, which is for buses only).
Vehicles are not allowed on a bus lane during active periods.


T2 or T3 Transit lanes
Reserved for the use of these vehicles (unless specifically excluded by lane signage):


Motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of people (including the driver) specified on the sign, eg: T2 is for any vehicle that has 2 or more occupants and T3 is for any vehicle that has 3 or more people.
Passenger service vehicles (including taxis, regardless of whether or not they are carrying passengers).
Bicycles.
Motorbikes.
Mopeds."


-Source: https://at.govt.nz/driving-parking/ways-to-get-around-auckland/carpooling/bus-transit-priority-lanes/how-to-use-bus-and-transit-lanes/

and for any who might complain that the above is just an advisory, and not the legislation, here is the actual legislation (Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004):

"transit lane means a lane reserved for the use of—
(a) the following (unless specifically excluded by a sign installed at the start of the lane)

(i) passenger service vehicles:

(ii) motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of persons (including the driver) specified on the sign:

(iii) cycles:

(iv) motorcycles:

(v) mopeds; and


(b) electric vehicles (if specifically included by a sign installed at the start of the lane)"

-Source: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/whole.html#DLM303055

The rules are pretty darn clear. Can you PM me the QID of the officer who issued you the infringement offence notice in the first place?

[samgab]

Addendum: For Auckland riders info. Did you know we're also allowed to go on those "B" bus only lights too? The legislation states that any vehicle legally allowed to use the bus lane, ie: buses, motorcycles, bicycles; is also allowed to use the lights controlling them. I had forgotten about that, but it makes sense.

7 Clause 3.6 amended (Traffic signals in form of T or B)

Replace clause 3.6(5) (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0171/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM303066#DLM303066) with:(5) If any of the following persons are lawfully using a bus lane, this clause applies to the person in the same way that it applies to the driver of a bus:

(a) the rider of a cycle, moped, or motorcycle:
(b) the driver of an electric vehicle.

[jasonu]

Best comment yet.

Basically, there are too many rules for everyone to know everything. The problem arises when a police officer thinks they lnow the rules, but they only know msybe 95% of them.

Motorcycle specific rules don't get much publicity, as motorcyclists are a minority most folk don't give much thought to.

Around 50% of the motorcyclists using bus lanes in Christchurch think they are breaking the rules, so don't just blame everyone else.

As far as I know, without dredging the legislation, having a wee motorcycle picture on the sign isn't a legal instruction.

I'll have a fun trawl through the legislation later this morning.

If the cunts don't know the rules they have no business writing tickets!

[Mike.Gayner]

Don't forget that the police force doesn't exactly attract the best and brightest. In my experience cops are generally thin-skinned, petty, moronic dickheads.

[Blackbird]

Don't forget that the police force doesn't exactly attract the best and brightest. In my experience cops are generally thin-skinned, petty, moronic dickheads.

I suppose the simplest thing would be to ignore the troll but I've had a reasonable amount to do with the police both professionally and socially. My experience has been the complete opposite. Really good people who do a job that most of us wouldn't want to do or couldn't do. I'd suggest that that there are fewer shitheads among them than either the general public or KB in particular. :innocent:

[nerrrd]

...In my experience cops are generally thin-skinned, petty, moronic dickheads.


What We See in Others is a Reflection of Ourselves

:whistle: an opportunity for reflection perhaps

[Scuba_Steve]

Seems this question is well & truly answered; & answered correctly of all things :shit:
Now if we can learn people "keep left unless overtaking" & "if slow pull over & let others pass" be a good day

[Moi]

Seems this question is well & truly answered; & answered correctly of all things :shit:
Now if we can learn people "keep left unless overtaking" & "if slow pull over & let others pass" be a good day

Jeez Wayne! The impossible we do today, miracles take a little longer... :rolleyes:


However, I do wonder, if we as a country were serious about reducing road deaths whether the Highway Patrol section of the police should be extended. Some will mutter about the old MoT traffic cops but having a dedicated traffic police who are skilled in their area and are committed to road safety and lifting the driving standard then perhaps we might see a drop in the number of road deaths.. just thinking aloud...

Plus, with dedicated traffic police who are aware of the regulations/legislation pertaining to, say, motorways then you'd not have some innocent biker being ticketed for something he is allowed to do...

[caspernz]

I'm astonished that any Auckland Police officers would even pull you over for using the T2 Motorway onramp lane on a motorcycle, as long as you weren't speeding.

My initial thoughts as well. Either an officer with a dislike for bikers, or could it be a biker being a bit enthusiastic in other ways?



I suppose the simplest thing would be to ignore the troll but I've had a reasonable amount to do with the police both professionally and socially. My experience has been the complete opposite. Really good people who do a job that most of us wouldn't want to do or couldn't do. I'd suggest that that there are fewer shitheads among them than either the general public or KB in particular. :innocent:

Funny you make that comment sir, exactly my experience. Will readily admit I've met an unreasonable cop in my time, but would hardly label all of them that way, on the basis of select experiences.
Always recall a conversation I had with a fellow trucker who'd just been pinged by a (insert any swear word combo you wish here) cop, who'd written him up for being "just a tad" over the limit. Turns out 93 in a 50 coming out of a small town was deemed ok by this cowboy. Needless to say no sympathy was extended by me :tugger::killingme:brick::innocent::violin::facepa lm::facepalm::facepalm:



I do wonder, if we as a country were serious about reducing road deaths whether the Highway Patrol section of the police should be extended. Some will mutter about the old MoT traffic cops but having a dedicated traffic police who are skilled in their area and are committed to road safety and lifting the driving standard then perhaps we might see a drop in the number of road deaths.. just thinking aloud...

Plus, with dedicated traffic police who are aware of the regulations/legislation pertaining to, say, motorways then you'd not have some innocent biker being ticketed for something he is allowed to do...

Enforcement on its own isn't enough though, will readily agree more numbers are needed.
Needs a social shift, like smoking or drink driving. Oh wait, not drinking & driving still hasn't sunk in for some...

[sidecar bob]

What colour is your skin? Claim that you have cultural rights to the lane under the treaty of waitangi.

[Akzle]

Don't forget that the police force doesn't exactly attract the best and brightest. In my experience cops are generally thin-skinned, petty, moronic dickheads.

:whistle: .
https://jasonfeldman.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/join-the-police1.jpg?w=614

[Voltaire]

As its a fine probably dealing with office workers who treat it much like a service/invoice scenario.

" Thank you for your letter and documents, we have reviewed it , please pay within 7 days."

[rastuscat]

Enforcement on its own isn't enough though, will readily agree more numbers are needed.
Needs a social shift, like smoking or drink driving. Oh wait, not drinking & driving still hasn't sunk in for some...

It's a long term solution based on the 3 Es. Enforcement, Education and Engineering.

No E on it's own can fix these issues.

[Akzle]

It's a long term solution based on the 3 Es. Enforcement, Education and Engineering.

No E on it's own can fix these issues.

some letters are more dangerous.. so we can drive on E, can we drive on P?

[rastuscat]

some letters are more dangerous.. so we can drive on E, can we drive on P?

I suspect you've already done it.

[caspernz]

It's a long term solution based on the 3 Es. Enforcement, Education and Engineering.

No E on it's own can fix these issues.

Fair enough. Just funny how folks dislike the enforcement, think they don’t need education thus the focus ends up on engineering. Maybe I spent too much time on the 6 Ps in my time...:laugh:

[eldog]

Eliminate the problem.

[Swoop]

I'm wondering about the logic of these new "EV" lanes.

Surely an electric vehicle isn't putting out plumes of nasty smoke from its back end? Right?
Helping "save the gay whales" and all that nonsense.

So, an EV should be spending time queued up with all the other traffic.

If any car needs to get where it is going without sitting at a set of lights, it's a petrol powered one. Get to the destination sooner = less pollution!

[FJRider]

Hi all, long time occasional lurker, first time poster. I apologise if my searching hasn't been up to scratch. I found This thread from back in 2009 (https://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/89918-T2-Lanes-again!?highlight=transit+lane), but I'm having issues with the police and NZTA about motorway onramp transit lanes.

I was pulled over in April for using the T2 lane on the SH16 (northwestern motorway) Great North Road citybound onramp. The initial stated cause of the traffic stop was for not having the required number of passengers. When I received the written warning I raised it with police. This initial cause was then scrubbed but changed to the fact that motorcycles are not allowed to use the lane due to not being on the sign.

I have involved the NZTA, and an investigation has supposedly been raised, but with no resolution after almost two months it's starting to seem like it's ground to a halt, and I'm still sitting here with a black mark on my licence.

I'm not about to stop fighting this, as this issue seems to have occurred and been resolved before. As motorcyclists we have a strong vested interest in ensuring the road rules are enforced properly for our safety. I don't want any other motorcyclist to be ticketed for using lanes they seem to be fully entitled to.

After two months there are a lot of details to my story but unless they are relevant I'll leave them out in the interest of brevity. There have also been some interesting comments from the police, such as their belief that "most motorcyclists do not use the transit lanes, which would indicate to them that most seem to know the rules".

I would very much appreciate if it anyone would have any resources that would assist me in trying to convince the police that motorcyclists are permitted to use the transit lanes, or convince the NZTA to conclude their investigation and respond to the police. Otherwise if anyone has any contacts in either organisation that would be interested in assisting in my case I would love to get in touch with them. I understand the difficulty of this however, as I do not want to put anyone in a compromising position of having to argue with their colleagues.

Nga mihi.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/walking-cycling-and-public-transport/cycling/cycling-network-guidance/designing-a-cycle-facility/between-intersections/transit-lanes/


A transit lane can only be used by passenger service vehicles, motor cycles, mopeds, cycles, and motor vehicles carrying a specified minimum number of persons. Transit lanes in New Zealand are generally either T2 or T3 lanes, these being for vehicles with 2 or more people (T2) or 3 or more people (T3), where ‘T’ stands for transit. The lanes operate between certain times of the day. Most transit lanes are located on arterial roads, motorways or expressways.

It would seem your initial traffic stop WAS in accordance with the rules ...

[Scuba_Steve]

I'm wondering about the logic of these new "EV" lanes.

Surely an electric vehicle isn't putting out plumes of nasty smoke from its back end? Right?
Helping "save the gay whales" and all that nonsense.

So, an EV should be spending time queued up with all the other traffic.

If any car needs to get where it is going without sitting at a set of lights, it's a petrol powered one. Get to the destination sooner = less pollution!

Maybee it's cause EV's don't go very far to start with so if they get stuck sitting in traffic too long they become the traffic hold up themselves; no batt = no move

[Moi]

I'm wondering about the logic of these new "EV" lanes.

Surely an electric vehicle isn't putting out plumes of nasty smoke from its back end? Right?
Helping "save the gay whales" and all that nonsense.

So, an EV should be spending time queued up with all the other traffic.

If any car needs to get where it is going without sitting at a set of lights, it's a petrol powered one. Get to the destination sooner = less pollution!

Some light reading may help to explain these new "EV" lanes...

Green light for Auckland electric vehicle bypass lane trial (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/green-light-for-auckland-electric-vehicle-bypass-lane-trial/)

and

Electric vehicles - special vehicle lanes (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/electric-vehicles-special-vehicle-lanes)

A couple of thoughts... when the trial ends will the EVs be back in with the general traffic or will they be "special" and continue to use the lanes?

And when I fill the car or either of the bikes with petrol I am paying something towards the building and maintenance of state highways, how do EVs pay for this building and maintenance? Will we see them having some form of RUC applied to them?

[Old Steve]

Colinspocket. Suggest you write something similar back to the Police.

"Regarding riding a motorcycle in a T2 lane.

"Cars with two or more passengers, motorcycles, taxis and bicycles are allowed to travel in a T2 lane. In this particular T2 lane trucks and EVs are also allowed. There is no signage excluding motorcycles as is required if motorcycles are not allowed to use the lane. As this is a motorway on-ramp, bicycles would of course not be allowed to use this particular T2 lane.

"Motorcycles are not allowed to travel in a Bus Only lane, the lane rfereed to in this infringement is NOT a Bus Only lane.

"The provision for motorcycles to travel in a T2 lane has no occupancy requirement, it'd be silly wouldn't it to require motorbikes to have 3 people on them before they could use a T3 lane such as Onewa Rd North Shore.

"Please cancel this infringement. I will defend this in court. I assume I would have to attend all day, my hourly wage is $55/hr."

[rambaldi]

Some light reading may help to explain these new "EV" lanes...

Green light for Auckland electric vehicle bypass lane trial (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/green-light-for-auckland-electric-vehicle-bypass-lane-trial/)

and

Electric vehicles - special vehicle lanes (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/electric-vehicles-special-vehicle-lanes)

A couple of thoughts... when the trial ends will the EVs be back in with the general traffic or will they be "special" and continue to use the lanes?

And when I fill the car or either of the bikes with petrol I am paying something towards the building and maintenance of state highways, how do EVs pay for this building and maintenance? Will we see them having some form of RUC applied to them?

I believe RUC is the plan, but the vehicles are specifically excluded from the charges at the moment (and for a limited time) to encourage uptake.