Auckland Regional Council opposes bigger, heavier trucks

12 August 2009

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) does not support changing the road roles allow larger and heavier trucks on New Zealand’s roads.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has been receiving submissions on its proposed amendment to Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimension and Mass 2002.

The regional council’s transport and urban development committee today voted to oppose the rule change because, on balance, the economic benefits would not outweigh the social and environmental costs associated with the proposal.

Committee chairwoman Christine Rose said larger or heavier trucks would require road infrastructure to be upgraded, and cause significantly greater wear and tear on local roads.

“Road-user charges need to cover any increase costs, as half of a bigger bill for local roads will fall on ratepayers. This would simply be an increased subsidy for the heavy trucking industry,” Councillor Rose says.

The regional council has concerns that increasing the maximum size and weight of the trucks will undermine the role of rail in bulk goods transport, compromise safety, and cause more air and noise pollution.

“If the proposed amendment goes ahead, then heaver trucks need to pay their way, including the mitigation of safety and environmental issues, and local councils would need to be reimbursed for the extra costs associated with upgrading and maintaining local roads.”

ENDS

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