Vehicle Dimensions & Mass (VDM) Rule amendment NZTA’s implementation plan

What is NZTA doing Getting ready for rule implementation Project Office formed Vehicle compliance standards drawn up Developing HPV permit process – extension of existing OPermit Route management Planning graduated route implementation Identifying potential HPV routes – SH only, no local roads Drawing up regional priority list Assessing highway infrastructure and developing workplans Reviewing funding Communication – talking to industry and RCAs to get them ready

Route case study / pilot assessment Core routes in the Auckland/Waikato/BoP triangle used to explore the business case for supporting infrastructure Triangle is a key region for initial implementation and is an indicator of possible costs and benefits elsewhere in NZ Will apply method to other regions

Initial findings Began review in December 09. Review nearing completion Majority of state highway route up to standard Some bridges may need work – fixing may take time. Need to fit into other roading programmes/priorities HPV issue compounded by stresses from as-of-right weight increases No mandate to assess connecting local roads. Talking to RCAs to encourage them to establish projects

Issues Safety – perceptions of reduced safety levels for other road users Awareness – limited awareness of rule change in RCAs of full impact and timing of its implementation Costs and funding – concerns about cost impacts and who is paying. Recognise this is significant for some groups Expectations – high expectations on permit availability and productivity benefits Delivery – potentially limited ability to deliver end-to-end quickly, due to possible upgrades, resource constraints and multiple RCAs

Conclusion NZTA taking a structured approach to rule change. Focussing on creating state highway routes that will boost productivity Some investment likely to bring SH infrastructure up to standard to sustain HPV routes Prioritising regions – can’t implement routes solely on demand. Focussing on where productivity benefit greatest It will take time – too early to give timeline on rollout. NZTA has established processes to identify and manage investment. Can’t make decisions for RCAs Will keep you informed of what we are doing and why, and share learnings from project Want to hear from you about implementation issues