20 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland 1010
Private Bag 92250, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Phone 09 355 3553
Website www.AT.govt.nz
11 December 2018
Mr A Punnett
[FYI request #8665 email]
Dear Mr Punnett
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
CAS-914834-H4M4S2
Thank you for contacting Auckland Transport on 13 September 2018, requesting the following information
regarding inductive loop traffic sensors across Auckland.
1. When did Auckland Transport become aware that the inductive loop sensors are often unable to
detect smal vehicles, such as motorbikes and bicycles?
Inductive loops have been in use for several decades and the limitations of using these sensors has
been known since their introduction, prior to the formation of Auckland Transport in 2010.
While inductive loops tend to be fairly reliable for cycle detection, there are many variables which
can affect the detection of smal er vehicles. These are variables such as loop location relative to road
marking, pavement depth, condition of the road surface, the sensitivity of the loop, the type of
vehicle, the position of the vehicle relative to the loop, incorrect loop installation and partially
damage to the loop. Unfortunately, the scale of the problem is not wel understood, but is not
considered to be a common occurrence for motorcycles or mopeds.
2. How much money was spent on instal ing new sensors since Auckland Transport became aware of
these issues?
There is no specific budget allocated to the installation of new sensors. While inductive loops can last
for over a decade on the road, they are often replaced as part of regular road maintenance and
resealing. Loops can also be replaced as part of a whole intersection upgrade and costed as a lump
sum. As such, we are unable to provide a specific answer on how much money has been spent on
new loop sensors. Your request is therefore declined under Section 17(e) of the LGOIMA as the
information you are requesting does not exist.
However, while there are no specific records and the numbers vary from year to year, we estimate
that 650 loop sensors were replaced in 2017, with an estimate average cost of $500.00 p/loop.
Although some loops can cost over $1000.00, depending on the circumstances.
Please note that this estimate does not include any new intersections constructed within this period,
which could be more than 100 loops.
3. The number of injuries and fatalities suffered by motorcyclists and cyclists at junctions fitted with
inductive loop sensors since Auckland Transport became aware of these issues?
There have been 387 crashes at Auckland traffic signals involving bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles
in the past five years (2012-2017). These crashes have resulted in two fatalities, 52 serious injuries
and 189 minor injuries.
Please note that the 2018 crash data is incomplete and therefore has been excluded.
If you would like further information pertaining to this section of your request, please contact the
New Zealand Transport Agency.
We trust this information has addressed the matters raised however you have the right in accordance with
section 27(3) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) to make a
complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman if you are not satisfied with our response.
Kind regards
Randhir Karma
Group Manager – Network Management and Safety
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