NZ Fuel Costs: Calls to Discourage Large Vehicles in Cities | RNZ

Rising Fuel Costs and the Debate Over Large Vehicle Use in New Zealand

Concerns over rising fuel prices and supply are fueling a debate in New Zealand about the appropriateness of large vehicles – particularly double cab utes and SUVs – on urban roads. A University of Auckland professor is calling for measures to discourage their use in cities, citing not only their fuel inefficiency but also safety and climate concerns.

Professor Alistair Woodward, from the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, noted a significant shift in the purchasing patterns of these vehicles. While traditionally popular in rural areas and among tradespeople, they are increasingly being adopted as family vehicles in urban centers. “They are becoming used more and more as the family vehicle, so their use is pretty widespread,” he stated. “What has changed is that they have become very popular as an alternative to cars.”

The fuel consumption of these larger vehicles is a key point of contention. Woodward highlighted the disparity in fuel efficiency, stating, “A Ford Ranger uses roughly twice as much fuel per kilometre as a Toyota Corolla.” This inefficiency is particularly relevant given recent spikes in petrol and diesel prices, impacting both consumers and industries reliant on these fuels.

However, the concerns extend beyond simply the economic impact of fuel consumption. Woodward emphasized the environmental consequences, pointing to higher carbon monoxide emissions. He also raised serious safety issues, referencing a US study that found children are seven times more likely to die if struck by a light truck compared to a car. “They are very nasty if they run into you and cause problems,” he said.

Woodward suggested potential policy interventions to address the issue, including higher sales taxes on larger vehicles and a resistance to expanding parking spaces to accommodate their size. He pointed out that increasing vehicle size is creating practical problems in urban areas, with larger vehicles struggling to fit into existing parking spaces. “Rather than taking up more space for parking, we should do something about restricting the use of supersized vehicles in urban areas.”

The current government’s approach, however, appears less inclined towards such restrictions. Woodward noted that previous incentives for lower-emission vehicles, which implicitly increased the cost of larger vehicles, have been removed by the present administration. “So we’re waiting for good moves, but in the 1970s we downsized our cars because of the oil shocks, so maybe we’ve got something to learn from 50 years ago.”

This debate occurs alongside broader discussions about transportation costs and accessibility. Recent reporting indicates that public transport usage is increasing in major New Zealand cities, driven by rising fuel prices. However, the cost of public transport itself remains a barrier for many, with calls for government intervention to make it more affordable. Auckland experienced its busiest day on public transport since 2019 last week, and Wellington has seen a 10 percent increase in train passengers in the past month.

The situation highlights a complex interplay between consumer preferences, economic realities, environmental concerns, and government policy. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate and awareness of climate change grows, the future of large vehicle use in New Zealand’s urban areas remains uncertain. The question now is whether policymakers will prioritize measures to discourage their use, or continue to allow their increasing prevalence on city streets.