AV testing in Christchurch red zone nearly ready

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are likely to be soon trialled in a Christchurch red zone.

The aim of the NZMobility Lab scheme is to have private companies test AVs and other transport technologies such as connectivity in the city’s empty river red zone.

A contract is nearing completion following confirmation of a lease agreement final draft between the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Land Information NZ (LINZ) which manages the red zone on the Crown’s behalf, Stuff reports.

LINZ Christchurch land and property group manager Jeremy Barr says a five-year lease would enable Christchurch City Council-owned roads to be used for AV and support system testing.

The 34-hectare site is bordered by Pages Road, Anzac Drive, Westland Grove and Morganwood and Wairoa streets.

The area could be restricted to the public during active testing but remain available for walking access at other times.

NZMobility Lab chair Jim Harland says the lease is among requirements to establish the AV testing area.

He says a traffic management plan for testing AVs and a health and safety site plan are need too.

Public safety is top priority, says Harland who believes it could be months before AV makers can be offered use of the test area.

The NZTA is expected fund some repairs to earthquake damaged roads needed for the project.

The scheme is led by the NZTA, with involvement from the Christchurch City Council, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Civil Aviation Authority and the University of Canterbury.

Christchurch Airport already has an AV shuttle trial and Canterbury is also seeing testing by Zephyr Airworks of an AV electric flying taxi dubbed Cora.