An opportunity to streamline administration has prompted Waikato District Council to delegate its authority for 50MAX vehicle permits to the NZ Transport Agency.
Supporting a strategy to reduce the number of trucks on the road by increasing freight weights, NZTA asked councils to allow them to approve and process permits for 50 tonne maximum weight vehicles.
At this month’s Infrastructure Committee meeting, councillors approved the request, agreeing the benefits of handing over responsibility would reduce administration costs and deliver greater efficiency for operators.
Waikato District Council general manager service delivery, Tim Harty, says the decision creates a win-win-win situation.
“It provides the transport industry with a single point of service, allows freight companies to keep their business moving quickly to meet the end customers’ needs. and cuts out unnecessary administration for Council staff.” Harty says.
However, he says the ability to place some restrictions will remain with the council which includes approving any permits requiring access around restricted bridges.
“Safety on Waikato District’s roads is extremely important, so we’ll still have constraints on some routes containing restricted bridge and where, in our opinion, the network isn’t capable of managing these types of vehicles,” Harty explains.
“These restrictions are based on professional evaluation of council bridge structures, and staff feedback around areas of unknown performance on weaker roads or very tight narrow roads.”
Approval for access to restricted roads will be given by the general manager, service delivery.
