CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20379, 16 October 1940, Page 6

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

LOADING OF TRUCKS SAFETY OF BRIDGES ROAD CLASSIFICATION An increase authorised in the loading of motor trucks in the district has given cause for very serious concern for the safety of bridges, according to a letter read at to-day’s meeting of the Cook County Council from the district engineer, Mr. 0. G. Thornton. “Under the regulations issued on May 1, the permissible loading for Class 3 classification in force in this district was increased to 51 tons gross axle load for other than multi-axled vehicles and five tons for multi-axled vehicles,” Mr. Thornton stated. "At the same time, Class 4 classification limits are set down as four tons gross axle loads for vehicles other than multi-axled and 3i tons for multi-axled. “Previous to the above alteration, Class 3 limits had been increased to ?. point where, in the opinion of all the road engineers” in the district, there had been too much encroachment upon the factors of safety of many of the bridges and where the road foundations were over-strained, especially in wet weather. Reclassification Recommended “The latest increase, therefore, gave cause for very serious concern. The outcome was a special study by the Main Highways Board of conditions in this district, which resulted in the board deciding that all the highways in the No. 4 district should be reclassified in Class 4. “The heavy motor vehicle- regulations, 1940. require that the classification of highways shall be effected by the controlling authority. Some of the highways concerned are under the control of local authorities, apd ip these cases the board desires me to request the authorities to agree to the reclassification being carried out by the board on their behalf. “It is considered desirable that the whole of the reclassifications should be effected by the one body at the outtime, rather than each local body should deal wjth its own highways. It would be appreciated if you would advise me of your council's agrees rrient.”

Mr. C. Tiptjen said he realised the position in regard to the bridges, but he urged that the carriers should be consulted.

On Mr. Tietjen’s proposal, the council agreed to defer consideration of the matter until the council coulcl meet a representative of the Carriers’ Association, together with the distripj; engineer.