1. Vehicle Dimensions & Mass (VDM) Rule amendment NZTA’s implementation plan

2. What is NZTA doing Getting ready for rule implementation
Project Office formed
Vehicle compliance standards drawn up
Developing HPV permit process – extension of existing OPermit
Route management
Planning graduated route implementation
Identifying potential HPV routes – SH only, no local roads
Drawing up regional priority list
Assessing highway infrastructure and developing workplans
Reviewing funding
Communication – talking to industry and RCAs to get them ready

3. Route case study / pilot assessment
Core routes in the Auckland/Waikato/BoP triangle used to explore the business case for supporting infrastructure
Triangle is a key region for initial implementation and is an indicator of possible costs and benefits elsewhere in NZ
Will apply method to other regions

4. Initial findings
Began review in December 09. Review nearing completion
Majority of state highway route up to standard
Some bridges may need work – fixing may take time. Need to fit into other roading programmes/priorities
HPV issue compounded by stresses from as-of-right weight increases
No mandate to assess connecting local roads. Talking to RCAs to encourage them to establish projects

5. Issues
Safety – perceptions of reduced safety levels for other road users
Awareness – limited awareness of rule change in RCAs of full impact and timing of its implementation
Costs and funding – concerns about cost impacts and who is paying. Recognise this is significant for some groups
Expectations – high expectations on permit availability and productivity benefits
Delivery – potentially limited ability to deliver end-to-end quickly, due to possible upgrades, resource constraints and multiple RCAs

6. Conclusion
NZTA taking a structured approach to rule change. Focussing on creating state highway routes that will boost productivity
Some investment likely to bring SH infrastructure up to standard to sustain HPV routes
Prioritising regions – can’t implement routes solely on demand. Focussing on where productivity benefit greatest
It will take time – too early to give timeline on rollout. NZTA has established processes to identify and manage investment. Can’t make decisions for RCAs
Will keep you informed of what we are doing and why, and share learnings from project
Want to hear from you about implementation issues