Roads Board Policy On Axle Load Restrictions

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27405, 19 July 1954, Page 8

Roads Board Policy On Axle Load Restrictions

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 18. t The National Roads Board has laid £ down a policy covering maximum vehicle loads in relation to road clas- ( sifications. This has been announced 1 in an official statement. The statement says: “The board has < a first duty to preserve the national ] asset represented in our roads, and to j protect them from destruction by ex- J cessive loading. j “On the other hand, it recognises the important bearing which vehicle load- 1 ing has on efficient operation of road transport, and therefore on the level J of transport charges which, in turn, ; affect the whole national economy. It • was with these broad considerations in ' mind that the board determined its < policy. “The board has confined the system ' of road classification for maximum vehicle loadings which is in force at present, and, where circumstances warrant, it will review any existing road classification,, and in this connexion will seek the co-operation of district roads councils, who have a knowledge of local conditions and requirements. “Where it is the practice of road controlling authorities to issue permits for loads heavier than the road classifications provide for, there may be a case in regard to gravel roads during the dry summer months for at least a : upgrading of the road classification in order to save a great deal of permit work, if for no other rea--1 son,” the statement says. “It will be i suggested to reading authorities that this aspect of the matter should be ’ examined. “Where carriers or the users of , transport in any district feel that the existing road classifications are seri- ! ously retarding transport, and through [ it, the development and progress of . the community, their course is clear,” ’ says the statement. “Through their : representatives on the appropriate Dis- . trict Roads Council, they should bring the matter before that body, where it 1 would be argued out thoroughly and a t recommendation made to the National Roads Board as to what steps would ‘ serve best the national interests. , “Where such seems to be in the best i over-all interests, having regard both to the economy of transport and the • ability of the roads to withstand the j heavier loading, the board will examine the practicability of strengthen1 ing work, and thereby increasing clast sifications of both gravel and sealed highways so that there is gradually a ’ system of Class II roads permitting * basic axle loads of 6| tons throughout

the rural areas of the Dominion,” the statement says. “The board will continue the policy of issuing load permits, with any necessary qualifications, to exceed road classifications in respect of heavy indivisible loads. All permits issued, by the Main Highways Board and still in force will be honoured. The issue of load permits by local bodies as road controlling authorities will continue to be at the of such authorities.

“The board has requested the Commissioner of Transport (Mr H. B. Smith) to continue the present enforcement of loading within the road classifications, and it would not be appropriate for an operator to approach the Transport Department seeking special exemption or latitude.”