Heavier Trucks Will Reduce Road Toll And Cut Co2

MEDIA RELEASE

November 27, 2000

HEAVIER TRUCKS WILL REDUCE ROAD TOLL AND CUT CO2 EMISSIONS

Allowing heavier trucks on our roads would help the Government reach its goals of halving the road toll by 2010 and reducing the level of CO2 emissions, Road Transport Forum chief executive Tony Friedlander said today.

He was commenting on research the Forum had released which showed that major economic benefits would be achieved if the Government allowed increased weights and dimensions for trucks. These benefits included a GDP increase of 3.7 percent, 33,000 new full-time jobs and more than $1.5 billion in exports.

“Apart from these economic benefits, it would also cut the road toll because far fewer truck movements would be needed as more goods could be loaded onto less vehicles. This would reduce the public’s exposure to risk.”

Mr Friedlander said the policy change would also significantly accelerate the replacement of less stable vehicles. “The heavier trucks would have to meet higher performance standards than most vehicles currently on the road. Their stability and braking systems would have to be of the highest standard. This would significantly improve the overall safety performance of the truck fleet. This would also help to halve the road toll”

Mr Friedlander said these trucks would also cut the level of CO2 emissions. “Fewer trucks would release fewer emissions, while accelerating the replacement of the existing fleet would lead to more fuel efficient vehicles, also reducing the level of emissions,” he said.

This is a great opportunity for the Government to boost our economy and attack two of its major policy aims at the same time,” said Mr Friedlander.

ENDS

Details: Tony Friedlander Ph: 04 472 3877 Mob: 025 483 163

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