Councils split over big truck problems

Two Waikato district councils have taken starkly different stances towards a proposed amendment to land transport rules which will allow the maximum weight for heavy vehicles to increase from 44 tonnes to 53 tonnes on certain roads.

Waipa District Council resolved to prepare a submission opposing the Government-backed rule change, but Waikato District Council supported the move to authorising longer and heavier vehicles subject to receiving adequate compensation for the damage the increased payloads will do to its roads.

Submissions close tomorrow with speakers at both council meetings expressing the view the new rules would come into force in February regardless, given the Government's support for the trucking lobby and the fact no hearings have been scheduled for other voices to be heard.

On Tuesday Waipa councillors rejected a draft submission prepared by staff on the basis of discussions with an advisory group of regional roading engineers which suggested allowing heavier trucks to operate on specified routes would bring national benefits from significant increases in efficiency and productivity, and even a reduced number of trucks on the road.

Councillor Peter Lee said there might be benefits to the trucking industry, but there would be costs to ratepayers and taxpayers for the upgrades required for bridges and the extra maintenance required for roads.

"We are being driven over by the trucking industry on this," he said. "It's like the pylons. First you get the small pylons, then in come the higher pylons."

He said the inconvenience of repairs and maintenance and greater issues of road safety far outweighed the benefits.

"Get the freight off the road and on to rail. The Government seems determined to get more freight on the road despite owning a rail network."

Councillor Laurie Hoverd agreed, noting that while supporting reports talked about the need for road freight to double, there were six fewer trains a day at present.

Councillor Michael Cox suggested the rail argument should not be mentioned in a council submission because it would be seized upon by the Government "as a reason to damn it".

But Waikato District Council which administers about 1600km of roads agreed with the concept of allowing heavier vehicles to operate on certain routes.

That's despite much of its network to the north and east being constructed on peat which is very vulnerable to movement under heavy loadings, and high maintenance costs.

Council roading manager Ian Gooden told this week's meeting the rule change would be passed regardless, given the Government's enthusiasm.

Therefore it was better to make a positive submission and concentrate on making key points on matters such as funding mechanisms for compensation and compliance issues.

"If we submit in opposition it will be swept aside," he warned.

There was irony in Mr Gooden's comments, given he had personally lodged an opposing submission earlier this month at the Porritt Sand Quarry, railing at how an increase in heavy vehicle trips would impact on Hooker Rd, where he lives.

Councillor Clint Baddeley said a 20 per cent increase in payload was significant, and asked what effect this would have on roads. And if it came to litigation, how the council would prove its case.

Mr Gooden said little was known about the impact.

He predicted the heavier trucks would be allowed on all roads within 5-7 years.

Fonterra tankers would be among the first to take advantage of the new rules, because it would allow them to operate fully laden, as long as bridges were suitably strengthened.

Councillor Rob McGuire was the only councillor to vote against the supporting submission.

- © Fairfax NZ News