Trial Of Longer And Lower Log Trucks Extended

The Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) has extended a trial of log trucks carrying longer and lower loads for another four months.

The trial will involve 20 log trucks operating at an overall length of up to 22 metres on roads in Christchurch, Timaru, Nelson, Northland, the East Coast and the Central North Island. The trucks will begin operating this week under special permits issued by the LTSA.

An initial 30-day trial of seven log trucks on North Island roads found significant improvements in the vehicles' stability by reducing their load heights from 3.8 metres to between 2.0 and 2.6 metres. This height reduction was achieved by splitting one packet of logs into two smaller packets loaded end-to-end, resulting in an overall vehicle length of 22 metres with no change in weight.

Each truck was equipped with an 0800 LOG TRUCK sign to encourage feedback from other motorists, but the small number of trucks involved in the original trial meant very few comments were received.

It is hoped the larger number of vehicles involved in the extended trial will generate more public feedback. Interested groups or members of the public are encouraged to ring the 0800 number to arrange for an individual inspection or demonstration of one of the trucks involved in the trial.

All of the trucks in the trial will display extra signs and flags, including a high visibility sign on the rear of the trailer reading "OVERSIZE". Each truck will be inspected by an LTSA Vehicle Compliance Officer before being allowed on the road.

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