Two other approaches are likely to prove far more effective. The first, aimed at implanting a public transport culture, requires a considerable improvement in bus, ferry and rail travel. A jump in patronage would be the inevitable consequence of public transport that was quicker, more convenient, more reliable and more frequent, and easily affordable. The introduction of electric trains is a step in the right direction, but much still needs to be done.
The other side of the equation, cutting commuter traffic, would best be tackled by the introduction of some form of congestion charging. In London, as an example, this has discouraged many people from bringing their cars into the city centre.
That city, of course, boasts an excellent public transport system, which gives motorists every reason to consider leaving their cars at home or parking them outside the charged zone and away from permit areas. In fairness, therefore, Auckland's public transport would have to go some way towards a similar standard before motorists faced congestion char-ging.
Even then, it would be unpalatable to many of the people who will pay the cost.
But those same people know that Auckland's traffic predicament is worsening by the day. Virtually overnight, there would be less congestion on the roads.
Far better that than an assortment of parking penalties, most of which will also be hotly contested and most of which will do little to unclog Auckland's roads.