Pursuant to subclause 3.4(1) of Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 (“the Rule”) and a delegation from the NZ Transport Agency, I, Glenn Bunting, Network Manager, authorise the installation and maintenance of bus stops with a yellow box marking and a single sign:

1. for the purpose described in Schedule 1;
2. in the form and layout set out in Schedule 2;
3. at the location stated in Schedule 3;
4. for the period specified in Schedule 4; and
5. subject to the evaluation outlined in Schedule 5.

A reduction in the number of traffic control device elements needed to indicate bus stops may be installed for the purpose of evaluating the use of this combination and the trial will be called the “Auckland bus stops trial”.

Schedule 1—Purpose of trial

The purpose of the trial is to:

1. evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bus stops that are identified with fewer signs and markings than are currently required (ie with only one sign, as an alternative to the requirement in subclause 12.5(1), and without the “BUS STOP” marking referred to in subclause 12.4(5A) and specified in diagram M3-2 or M3-2A in Schedule 2 of the Rule); and
2. assess drivers’ understanding of different combinations of traffic control devices to mark the location of bus stops.

Schedule 2—Form and layout of bus stops for the trial

For the purpose of the trial bus stops of no more than 30 metres in length may be identified as follows:

1. The area of the bus stop must be marked with:
1. a continuous yellow line at right angles to the kerb or roadway edge at each end of the bus stop; and
2. a broken or continuous yellow line parallel to the kerb or roadway edge, not less than two metres and not more than three metres from the kerb or roadway edge; and
2. a bus stop sign that complies with Schedule 1 of the Rule must be erected within the area of the bus stop and close to the end of the area furthest from an approaching driver.

Schedule 3—Location

The location approved for this trial is at bus stops of no more than 30 metres in length in the Auckland region under the management or control of Auckland Transport.

Schedule 4—Period of trial

The trial may begin after the publication of this notice and, unless terminated earlier, must end by 30 November 2016.

Schedule 5—Evaluation

An evaluation must be undertaken and a report prepared which includes discussion and analysis of the following:

1. an assessment of the comparative level of parking infringements issued at various similar bus stop sites identified by current Rule requirements and sites identified in accordance with Schedule 2 of this notice;
2. an assessment of the comparative level of challenges arising from parking enforcement at various similar sites identified in accordance with current Rule requirements and sites identified in accordance with Schedule 2 of this notice; and
3. an assessment of drivers’ understanding of the methods used to indicate bus stops – both the current Rule requirements and those in accordance with Schedule 2 of this notice.

An interim evaluation report must be sent to me by 31 May 2016 and a final report by 31 March 2017.

Signed at Wellington this 22nd day of October 2015.

GLENN BUNTING, Network Manager.