One Auckland councillor says a long road's ahead before the city's close to congestion charging.

A new bill has passed in Parliament that'll let councils charge drivers on specific roads at peak travel periods - beginning with the City of Sails.

A report commissioned by the mayor estimates stalled traffic costs the city $2.6 billion dollars each year.

Howick Ward councillor Maurice Williamson says a long process of consultation, and setting up a board will now begin.

"I'll make the wild prediction now - you will not see an operational congestion charging regime for a minimum of at least three years from now." 

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• Transport Minister: Congestion charge for Auckland years away