Press release, Peter Brown, NZ First

Trucks to Carry a Heavier Load - A Welcome Innovation.

New Zealand First Deputy Leader, and Transport Spokesman Peter Brown has today welcomed the proposal by Land Transport Safety Authority to allow for larger trucks, but has warned the roads on which these heavy vehicles run must be capable of supporting them.

"The proposal is logical given the growing expansion of our transport requirements, and despite grandstanding from the Greens, will be environmentally friendly since trucks will be more efficient and will be required to make less trips for the same load.

"The transport cost is a heavy burden on the economy, especially since the price of fuel has climbed recently. Everything produced must be transported in some way. The advantages of lowered freight charges would be significant for the national economy. The Greens simply do not seem to have thought this issue through, but as we have come to expect, have seen this as an opportunity to grab headlines.

"A recent survey conducted by the Road Transport Forum showed that a 10% reduction in freight costs would lead to a 3.7% increase in GDP, 33,000 new full-time jobs and export growth of more than $1.5billion. With such a favourable forecast it is essential that the Government reacts positively.

"We will be asking that the Transport Minister Mark Gosche moves quickly to ensure that our major freight corridors are brought up to standard so that we can take advantage of new technology," concluded Mr Brown.

ENDS

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