17 August 2001

Transport Reporter

Public has two weeks to stop juggernaut trucks

New Zealanders have two weeks to let the Government know how they feel about proposals to allow trucks to be five metres longer and 20 tonnes heavier than they currently are, Green MP Sue Kedgley said today.

Submissions to the Land Transport Safety Authority on the proposals to allow 82 foot long, 62 tonne trucks on New Zealand's public roads close on 3 September.

"There is huge concern among New Zealanders about this proposal to create these juggernaut trucks and I urge Kiwis to oppose this proposal while they still can," said Ms Kedgley.

"It is sheer lunacy that, at a time when there are more and more trucks crashing on our roads and trucks were involved in over 20 per cent of all road fatalities in 1999, this proposal is even being considered," she said.

"The last thing we need is heavier and longer trucks on our roads. We need to get freight off our roads and onto rail where it belongs."

Ms Kedgley said there was no way New Zealand roads could cope with the increased size and weight of juggernaut trucks, and nor should they have to.

"There are very strong road safety reasons why this proposal must be consigned to the dustbin of history where it belongs. Anybody who has spent any time driving on New Zealand roads will know this proposal is simply ridiculous and must not be allowed to go any further."

Comments and submissions on this proposal (Rule 4001) can be e-mailed to info@ltsa.govt.nz or posted to:

The Rules Team LTSA Po Box 2840 Wellington

Submissions must include the submittors name, address and the proposal number (4001). The LTSA website http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/consultation/vehicle_dimension_mass/vehicle_dim ension_submissions.html contains useful information.

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