Council denies Lower Hutt traffic problem, says motorists simply 'taking time to enjoy their city'

Hutt City Council has rejected suggestions that Lower Hutt is experiencing worsening traffic congestion, saying its data shows motorists are simply choosing to spend longer travelling through the city.

Complaints about traffic have increased in recent months as roadworks, construction projects and temporary traffic management have appeared across Lower Hutt.

However, council officials say describing the situation as "congestion" may be misleading.

"Our data certainly shows that journeys are taking longer," a council spokesperson said.

"But there's nothing in that data to suggest people aren't enjoying themselves."

The council said a growing number of Lower Hutt residents appeared to be embracing what transport planners are calling "reflective travel" - deliberately slowing their journeys to appreciate their surroundings and spend more time with their thoughts.

"Previously, someone might have driven from Waterloo to Petone in 12 minutes," the spokesperson said.

"Now they might take 35 or 40 minutes. We see that as 23 to 28 additional minutes spent experiencing Lower Hutt."

Council monitoring has reportedly found particularly high levels of reflective travel around High Street, Melling, Petone and several major intersections.

Officials said road cones, lane closures and temporary traffic lights had helped motorists discover parts of the city they might otherwise have passed too quickly to appreciate.

"One resident spent nearly seven minutes outside the same Mobil station last Tuesday," the spokesperson said.

"You simply don't get that level of engagement with your local environment when traffic is moving freely."

The council has also rejected claims that roadworks are responsible for increased journey times, saying motorists always retain the option of travelling at another time.

"Three in the morning remains relatively uncongested."

One Lower Hutt commuter said the new approach had changed the way he thought about his morning journey.

"I used to think I was stuck in traffic," he said.

"Now I realise I'm just spending significantly more time in Lower Hutt than I intended to."

Council officials say they will continue monitoring travel times but currently see no evidence of a congestion problem.

"If anything, the numbers show people are spending more time in Lower Hutt than ever before."