Road Transport Forum chief executive Ken Shirley has heralded the new Vehicle Dimensions and Mass (VDAM) rule as representing an “evolution rather than a revolution in heavy vehicle regulation”.
Specific VDAM changes include:
- redefining width restrictions to enable more vehicles to operate at the 2.55-metre limit
- increasing the general access gross mass limits from 44 tonnes to 45 and 46 tonnes, depending on vehicle configuration
- increasing axle mass limits for various axle configurations
“The new rule is based on sound principles of having vehicles that suitably fit New Zealand’s roading network,” says Mr Shirley.
“While there will be some productivity gains out of the new mass and dimension limits priority has been given to road safety considerations, which is entirely appropriate.
“The slightly larger dimensions will allow transport operators to purchase the most modern, top-of-the-line equipment from overseas, therefore improving the vehicle technology and overall safety of New Zealand’s truck fleet.”
Furthermore, Mr Shirley says the new rule has consolidated and simplified what has historically been a very complex and confusing set of rules.
He notes that heavy vehicle drivers will need to be aware of axle spacings when carrying near the load limit and be mindful that external lashings must exist within the 2.55-metre width limit.
However, Mr Shirley’s one disappointment in the new rule was the decision to include a reduction in weight tolerance from 1500 kilograms down to 500 kilograms, which he says “will add considerable stress to freight loading and allows little margin for error.”