Traffic congestion is one of the most pressing urban transport challenges, affecting travel time, economic productivity, and quality of life. In cities such as Wellington, where geography and infrastructure constraints limit road expansion, understanding people's behaviour and exploring demand-side interventions is critical to developing effective responses.

This research draws on the Pōneke / Wellington Transport Survey 2025 to explore Wellingtonians' travel behaviours and attitudes towards congestion and the concept of congestion charging, in the absence of a scheme proposal. The analysis shows that more than two-thirds of respondents identified congestion as a problem during weekday peak periods (7am–9am and 4pm–6pm). In the morning peak, more than four in five respondents reported commuting to/from work as their main trip purpose, while around one in ten travelled to education. Across these trips, just over one-third used private vehicles as their main mode, with public transport and active modes accounting for similar proportions.

When asked about supporting a congestion charge to reduce travel times, nearly half of respondents opposed the idea, while one-third supported it. Among those willing to pay, most preferred only a very small charge per trip, and a small proportion indicated willingness to shift modes.

These findings suggest strong recognition of congestion as a problem but limited willingness to pay a charge or change travel behaviour. This highlights the need for further investigation into behavioural incentives and demand-side interventions to inform policy development and future congestion management in Wellington City.