Noise and traffic management
Noise control
Ports of Auckland welcomes public feedback and complaints. Our public feedback phone line is monitored by a Ports of Auckland employee 24/7. We aim to acknowledge all enquiries in writing within 48 hours and, if required, provide a detailed response within 10 working days.
Port neighbours with concerns or feedback are encouraged to contact us on our 24-hour hotline: +64 9 336 4898 or email us on info@poal.co.nz.
Ports of Auckland operates within strict noise limits and works hard to identify and reduce causes of noise.
The Port has implemented a range of noise-control initiatives, including:
- Additional soundproofing and noise reduction features fitted to new straddle carriers and other equipment
- Elimination or reduction of the majority of warning sirens on heavy machinery
- Ship horns no longer being used to signal departure from the Fergusson container terminal; these are used only for safety such as on foggy mornings
- Elimination of rail crossing alarms
- Minimisation of rail shunt moves
- Fitting of alarm mufflers to two gantry cranes
- Requiring as many container ships as can safely do so to berth bow south, minimising the impact of generator noise on neighbours
- Working with the shipping lines to further reduce the noise from ship generators
- Seeking to ensure new developments in close proximity to the Port have adequate soundproofing.
While the Port is reducing or eliminating various noises which have been identified as a nuisance, it is imperative that staff safety is not compromised. Warning alarms are essential when people work around dangerous and heavy equipment. We are required by law to provide all means necessary to ensure a safe working environment for our employees.
Traffic management
Ports of Auckland recognises that noise and congestion from trucks visiting the Port is a concern for the local community. We have implemented a range of initiatives to respond to local community concerns. At a strategic level, we are working to improve the overall efficiency and resilience of the Auckland transport network, so that it can cope with future freight demand.
Key Ports of Auckland transport initiatives include:
- A Vehicle Booking System (VBS) that requires trucks to book slots in advance for picking up and dropping off containers. The VBS is an important way of encouraging off-peak truck travel and improving travel predictability. Transporting containers outside peak traffic times is positive for the community and the environment, as well as helping to smooth workflow at the Port.
- The introduction of a rail connection between our inland port at Wiri, South Auckland, and the Waitemata seaport. Demand for this rail connection is forecast to save an estimated 100,000 central city truck trips per annum, and be a key driver in our efforts to lift the proportion of port cargo being carried by rail from the current 12% to 30%.
- A programme to encourage ‘Best Available Unit’ utelisation of container trucks. At present only 20% – 30% of the trucks visiting the Port are carrying a full load in and out. With industry co-operation, we have a great opportunity to remove waste, inefficiency and unnecessary travel from the road network.
- The introduction, in conjunction with Auckland City Council, of a ban on left-hand turns by heavy vehicles in and out of Mechanics Bay between 7.00pm and 7.00am, encouraging the use of motorways.
- Ongoing driver education efforts, in conjunction with the Road Transport Association, to encourage truck drivers to minimise noise from air braking at night.
- Lobbying for the completion of Auckland’s strategic roading network, in particular the Western Ring Route, Harbour Bridge to City project and Newmarket Viaduct replacement. Port traffic studies have shown that completing Auckland’s strategic roading network will create significant trip time benefits, ranging up to nearly 30%, on key routes to/from the Port.
- Supporting the reinvigoration of New Zealand’s domestic coastal shipping trade as an environmentally friendly freight option that will help take pressure off the roads.
