What is a T2 transit lane?
The T2 transit lane is for cars and vehicles with two or more occupants.
'T2' refers to the minimum number of occupants required in a vehicle to use this lane. 'T' stands for 'Transit' and '2' indicates that at least two people must be in the vehicle.
Buses can also use this lane to move more quickly and efficiently, getting to the front of the queue at busy intersections faster, making public transportation a more attractive option for commuters.
Why have we created a T2 transit lane along Kamo Road?
Kamo Road currently carries over 3,000 vehicles during the morning peak via just two lanes (one each way). This causes traffic congestion and makes the trip into town much longer.
Both Te Kamo and Tikipunga are growing quickly, resulting in more traffic than the road can easily handle, and morning traffic is expected to increase.
The new T2 lane will provide an additional southbound lane during peak times, helping to ease congestion.
Prioritising vehicles carrying more than one passenger may also encourage more vehicle sharing, which could help to relieve congestion further.
What vehicles can use the T2 transit lane?
- motor vehicles carrying two or more people (including the driver, babies, children and people sitting in the back seat)
- passenger service vehicles, including buses, regardless of whether they are carrying passengers
- bicycles
- motorbikes
- mopeds.
What are the operating hours of the T2 transit lane?
Monday to Friday 7:00am to 9:00am.
What does the T2 transit lane look like?
There are large green markings on the road, with T2 written in white.
What do the T2 transit lane signs say?
As shown below, the T2 transit lane signs include the words "Transit lane 7am - 9am Mon - Fri" with T2 in white text on a red shape and an illustration of a vehicle with two passengers.
How does the T2 transit lane work?
During operating hours, vehicles must not stop or park in the T2 transit lane, unless they are permitted to stop (e.g. rubbish trucks, buses) or they are emergency vehicles (e.g. ambulances, police cars and fire engines) responding to emergencies and operating their sirens / beacons.
You must not travel for more than 50 metres in the transit lane unless you are a permitted vehicle. This means that if you are turning into or turning out of a side road or driveway, you may travel in the T2 transit lane for less than 50 metres, but not more than 50 metres before you must merge back into the main lane of traffic.
Will there be more buses from Te Kamo into town between 7:00am and 9:00am from Monday to Friday?
To encourage people to use public transport, Northland Regional Council plans to start running more buses (subject to driver availability) between 7:00am and 9:00am from Monday to Friday.
Can we park in the T2 transit lane?
Parking is banned in the T2 transit lane during the morning peak from 7:00am to 9:00am.
Carparks in the T2 transit lane can be used as normal during off-peak times.
Can pedestrians still cross the road safely?
The zebra crossings and traffic islands along Kamo Road and Bank Street in the areas of the T2 transit lane have been removed for this project
Zebra crossings are not safe enough for crossing three lanes of traffic, and can cause significant traffic delays at busy times, such as school pick-up.
To improve safety for pedestrians, we are introducing crossings with lights (signalised crossings) in several places so pedestrians can cross safely, without causing traffic delays.
These will be at:
- 118 Bank Street (replacing the zebra crossing in front of MediaWorks)
- 19 Kamo Road (Countdown Regent)
- 78 Kamo Road (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- 240 Kamo Road (Radius Health).
The crossing at Whangārei Primary School has also been upgraded.
Where does the T2 transit lane start and finish?
The T2 transit lane is along the southbound side of Kamo Road and Bank Street, starting from near Hailes Road in Te Kamo and finishing near Rust Avenue in the city centre.
How can T2 transit lanes be used outside the operating hours?
The T2 transit lane can be used like a regular (additional) lane down Kamo Road outside operating hours.
Carparks in the T2 transit lane can be used as normal during off-peak times.
How long is the Kamo Road T2 transit lane?
2.4km.
How does the T2 transit lane run through the Whau Valley Road intersection and the SH1 / Kamo Road intersection?
The T2 transit lane does not operate through the intersections. Instead, it 'pauses' just before the Whau Valley Road intersection and starts again after the SH1 / Kamo Road intersection. At intersections, drivers should merge into the right-hand lane.
How was the T2 transit lane installation funded?
The Kamo Road T2 transit lane project is 100% funded by Central Government as part of the Transport Choices programme.
This project is part of our current Long Term Plan 2021-2031 and Transportation Network Strategy. It has been brought forward because Central Government funding was available.
What happens if I am parked in the T2 transit lane when the operational period starts?
The T2 transit lane is regularly monitored by traffic enforcement officers and, from later in 2025, there will be fixed transport cameras in operation.
If you are parked in the T2 lane between 7:00am and 9:00am, your vehicle may be towed.
What happens if I drive in the T2 transit lane during operating hours with only one person in the vehicle, or I am in the lane for longer than 50 metres?
An infringement notice will be issued to vehicles caught not complying with the conditions of the lane.
The infringement fee for non-compliance is $150.
Incorrect use of the lane includes:
- travelling in the transit lane for more than 50 metres before turning
- parking in the lane during transit lane operating hours (Monday to Friday 7:00am to 9:00am).
Can I ride a motorbike, bicycle or moped in the T2 transit lane?
Yes. People riding motorbikes, bicycles and mopeds are allowed to use the T2 transit lane at any time.