Although the HPMV permit system has been running for some time now, there are still issues that need to be ironed out in the process of approving permits, according to Ken Shirley, chief executive of the RTF.
Shirley says that feedback from operators has been that some permits are simple to get and some are very much more difficult, and it seems to be down to who is processing the application.
Some NZTA staff are reportedly very helpful, while others don’t seem to have definite information on the process or problems arising from the permit application. This extends as far as some staff apparently unaware of the weight limits for bridges on selected routes.
Shirley says that the issues are gradually being resolved, as the NZTA is obviously dedicated to getting the process streamlined, but there is one other area where problems are arising, and that’s the load distribution on the truck.
Even when there are no problems gaining a permit, getting the axle weights correct on the truck in the real world can be either a time consuming process or virtually impossible without the correct weight sensing equipment.
Despite the flaws in the system though, Shirley says that when the alternative is not having an HPMV system, it’s better to have one with a few problems (some of which are being worked out) than nothing at all.
