Normally I leave for work at about 08:20 to get across Auckland, from the West to the Shore, for a 09:00’ish start. This avoids the worst of the commuter and school run traffic. An 08:30 start means a 60 minute +commute so I don’t unless it’s necessary.
Today I expected the truck protest to cause havoc but, because of car pooling, didn’t leave early as advised. I actually left a little bit later, nearer 08:25, and was amazed to arrive at work at 08:50. That’s a record time thanks to deserted roads and no cross traffic triggering red lights.
Riding the green wave on empty roads was brilliant. Could we have a Truck Protest every day?!
Protest fails to bring traffic chaos - 04 Jul 2008 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news
An estimated 4000 trucks converged on the main city centres and smaller towns throughout New Zealand in protest at the government's plan to increase road user charges.
By 8am the roads were jammed but police estimated the number of private cars on the roads, particularly in Auckland, was down between 30 and 40 per cent and the predicted nightmare of a city-wide traffic gridlock did not happen.