29 June 2009
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says a proposal to allow road transport operators to carry heavier loads, by permit, on specified routes would create a “win – win” situation for the economy and the travelling public.
“This would deliver big productivity gains for industry as a result of reduced transportation costs and help New Zealand grow faster out of the current global recession.
“We are a small country a long way from the rest of the world. This is one way to help reduce freight costs for our exporters, boosting their ability to compete.
“Allowing some trucks on some routes to carry heavier loads would also mean fewer trucks on the roads. This would have the flow-on effects of reduced congestion and frustration for other motorists.
“Results from the trials and research undertaken show productivity could increase in the range of 10 to 20 percent, trip numbers could reduce by 16 percent, fuel use by 20 percent and we could see an overall increase in GDP in the range of $250 - $500 million per annum,” says Mr Joyce.
Road Transport Forum chief executive Tony Friedlander says much of the cost savings achieved will end up being passed on as lower road transport costs for business and for the goods consumers buy.”
Road transport companies, including log truck operators, took part in trials during 2008 and into early 2009, carrying loads greater than the current statutory 44 tonnes limit.
Allowing some trucks to be up to a metre longer will only apply to a relatively small number of trucks, but he says the slight change in dimensions will give operators the opportunity to better tailor their vehicle design to carry certain loads and improve their stability.
“Road transport costs across the Tasman are around 30% cheaper than in New Zealand, in large part because trucks there can be longer and can carry more. Increasing payloads and slightly changing dimensions help reduce this disadvantage, making New Zealand companies and manufacturers more competitive domestically and in export markets around the world.”
There will be direct road safety and emissions benefits as well. “Fewer trips will be needed to move a given load, lessening the risk of accidents. CO2 emissions would be cut by around 170,000 tonnes a year. That’s more than four times the savings gained by running the entire heavy trucking fleet on 5% biodiesel.
“New Zealand has to lift its productivity if it is to counter the current recession and achieve the sustained economic growth the Government is targeting. Allowing trucks to haul the loads they are designed to carry will make a major contribution to reaching these goals,” Mr Friedlander says.
The Land Transport Rule - Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment proposes allowing operators to apply for permits to carry heavier loads and in some cases operate longer vehicles and has today gone out for public consultation.
Currently heavy vehicles can carry loads of up to 44 tonnes. The Rule amendment proposes increasing this to allow vehicles of up to around 50 tonnes on routes approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency and local councils.
“During the trials emissions, noise, and vibration effects of heavier vehicles were also tested and results showed no measurable increase in any of these impacts. In fact, there will be a decrease in total emissions with a reduction in the number of vehicle movements,” says Mr Joyce.
“Vehicles in the trials met all current safety standards and any vehicle operating under a future permit system will have to meet these same safety requirements.”
Trucks carrying heavier loads will not be any wider or higher than trucks on the road at present, but will instead make better use of existing capacity.
Subject to the consultation process, the Rule Amendment could be signed off by the end of 2009 with permits available for application by early 2010.
Source: NZ Government and NZ Road Transport Forum media releases
