MUST INCREASE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 58, Issue 4125, 20 April 1949, Page 11

MUST INCREASE

FREIGHT COSTS OR RATES POSITION ON PLAINS COUNTY COUNCIL PROBLEM Over the past few months the association has been actively engaged, with other interested parties, in an effort to have the present regulations regarding axle loading more strictly enforced, and, at the same time endeavours have been made to have the present regulations revised in order that the azle loading of transport vehicles will be such that damage to county roads will be avoided,” stated a letter from the New Zealand Counties’ Association to the April meeting of the Hauraki Plains County Council.

** A recent statement in the .press stated that the Transport Department and the Main Highways Board had agreed on certain proposals whereby the system of road classification will be revised and also that this revised system would be submitted to all road controlling authorities,” continued the letter.

“ The position was discussed at the recent meeting of the executive, and it was decided that all county councils should be asked to deal with this matter through the New Zealand Counties Association rather than that individual counties should enter into separate agreements with the authorities concerned.

“ The New Zealand Counties’ Association has discussed this problem with the Transport Department and the Main Highways Board recently, and in such discussions the services of the County Engineers’ Institute have been co-opted. The executive feels, therefore, that as this matter is so important to all county councils, all further discussions should be handled through the association.” Writing later the association stated that the Commissioner of Transport had asked for comments on the proposed load limits on classified roads, and also on the proposal regarding heavy traffic fees for Q class vehicles. “ It would be a distinct advantage to have a complete return covering all counties, so even if your council has no comment to make on the proposals, it would be appreciated if you would submit a return to this effect,” stated the letter from the association.

The county engineer, Mr E. Hazledine-Barber, said that either the county would have to keep to the present classification and the freight charges would be greatly increased or the freight charges could stay as they are and the ratepayers would have to pay greatly increased rates for the maintenance of the roads. At the present time the sealed roads were going back as a result of heavy traffic while the metal roads were just holding. Councillors thought that a stand should be made against the heavy loads.

On the motion of the chairman it was decided to approve the classification set out by the department. The engineer said the county would have to take steps to see that the regulations were observed.