NZ First is questioning the government’s proposal to allow bigger trucks onto New Zealand roads when its studies show long haul freight by boat or train is twice as efficient as road transport.
New Zealand First Leader and Northland MP Winston Peters says the party recognises the essential role that trucks play in transporting goods around the country.
“We are not about to put vehicles off the road,” says Peters.
“However, for the safety of Kiwis and our environment, New Zealand First would require that long haul freight is carried in the safest and most efficient manner,” he says.
“Until the trucking industry can convince a public inquiry that its practices are safe, New Zealand First will question the use of larger trucks,” says Peters.
“Nearly a quarter of the road death toll involves trucks. When bigger trucks were first permitted in 2010, we were assured the risk would not increase. In fact, the trucking road toll has increased every year since” he says.
“Even the Ministry of Transport, in the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Review, admits crashes will worsen meaning more lives will be lost,” says Peters.
“We are concerned that the trucking industry appears to be effectively controlling the government’s transport policy, and the losers are the New Zealand public,” he says.
“The government’s studies also show that long-haul freight by boat or train is twice as efficient as road transport, yet the government is actively helping the trucking industry carry more cargo on public roads.”
