Heavy Vehicle Productivity Project

Last updated on 12/01/2011 11:52 a.m. 

The Heavy Vehicle Productivity Project has been completed. The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2010 came into effect on May 1 2010.

 
 

The Ministry of Transport-led Heavy Vehicle Productivity Project was re-established in 2008 to develop a permit system for heavy vehicles carrying loads outside the current mass and dimension limits.

The objectives of developing such a system are to improve efficiency in the use of heavy vehicles, reduce the rate of increase in heavy vehicle movements, boost long term economic growth and productivity, and reduce congestion and fuel use.


Truck from participating trial company Canterbury Waste Services Ltd
Truck from participating trial company Canterbury Waste Services Ltd.

About the trials

Road transport companies took part in a trial during 2008 and into early 2009, carrying loads greater than the current statutory 44 tonnes limit.

The trials were an important step toward investigating greater efficiency in the way road freight is moved. Overall a permit system allowing vehicles to operate at heavier weights has the potential to reduce the number of vehicle movements required to distribute the same amount of freight.

This will reduce fuel consumption and contribute to the government’s economic productivity objectives.

All trucks that took part in the trials:

    • complied with existing safety legislation and  went through the standard overweight permit process
    • operated on approved routes only.

There has been a high level of support from across the road transport industry for the project and a broad range of industry representatives took part in the trials. 

Trial goals 

    • Measure the productivity benefits from a controlled permit system for overweight vehicles.
    • Ability for the same amount of freight to be moved by fewer trucks.
    • Less road congestion, lower emissions and a generally safer road environment in the long term.
    • The trials also offered an opportunity to monitor and manage many of the impacts of implementing a controlled heavy vehicle permit system - from road maintenance and wear and tear to environmental and safety implications.