Heavier Vehicles Positive Move For All

Farmers are pleased the government is considering allowing heavier vehicles on specified routes, said Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers’ transport spokesperson.



Mr Aubrey was commenting on Transport Minister Annette King’s announcement that the government has agreed to further work on developing a controlled permit system to allow heavier vehicles on some roads.



“Federated Farmers endorses the development of a safe, sustainable and efficient transport system in New Zealand. The transport sector is vital for New Zealand’s primary producers and for the economy as a whole. An increase in the gross vehicle weights limit for trucks would be an excellent step forward for the New Zealand transport sector, Mr Aubrey said.



“Increasing heavy vehicle weights would have positive impacts on health and safety outcomes, environmental outcomes, and economic outcomes – improving the bottom line for all New Zealanders.



“Health and safety outcomes would be improved because with a higher load allowed, fewer truck trips would be necessary. This would result in a reduction in road users’ exposure to trucks – lessening the chance of an accident.



“Environmental outcomes would be improved. Fewer truck trips would result in lower emissions of carbon dioxide, particulate, and nitrogen oxide. The increased weight limit would accelerate the move to more modern vehicles, which are more fuel efficient than the ones they replace, sparing fossil fuels and contributing to the nation’s sustainability.



“Economic outcomes would also be improved. Productivity gains in the transport sector of an estimated 20 to 25 percent would result from fewer truck trips. Cost savings would flow on to New Zealand industries, improving our international competitiveness.



“A 2001 report for Transit NZ showed an increase in gross vehicle weight to 50 tonnes would deliver $500 million in national economic benefits. As such the increase would hasten economic transformation within New Zealand,” said Mr Aubrey.