The Hub of the Smart Motorway

WTOC

WTOC operators monitor and manage a lot of the country’s state highway and regional roading network. They provide accurate, real time travel information and advice and work with NZTA partners like emergency services to manage incidents. WTOC has a special focus on Wellington’s smart motorway – the region’s busiest section of road.

WTOC’s role on the smart motorway 

WTOC operators monitor the motorway through a network of cameras and detectors. This makes sure incidents are cleared as quickly as possible. They also:

• set the messages that appear on the electronic variable message signs 
• use the lane control signs (the red X or green arrow) to direct traffic on which lane to use. 

WTOC’s other roles 

WTOC also monitors and manages: 

• 8000 kilometres of state highway
• nearly 200 cameras  
• more than 50 electronic variable message signs 
• 46 sets of traffic lights in Wellington City, plus five in Whanganui and New Plymouth, and three in Nelson
• more than 130 sets of traffic lights 
• air quality in Wellington’s Arras, Terrace and Mount Victoria tunnels. 

Civil Defence

WTOC is also a major civil defence and emergency management hub for Wellington and the lower and central North Island.