Trucks could be excluded from Blueskin Rd under a voluntary accord being negotiated between trucking companies, forestry owners, the police and the Chalmers Community Board.
Residents have long raised fears about empty logging trucks using the narrow, winding road from Port Chalmers to Waitati.
Board chairman Steve Walker said motorists' close encounters with trucks on the road had been one of the most significant concerns for residents during his nine years with the board.
"In essence, what we have had is empty trucks with piggy-backed trailers heading north on Blueskin Rd, which can be a problem when they meet a vehicle going the other way,'' Mr Walker said.
The tight, narrow corner close to the Scott Memorial site above Port Chalmers was one of the worst spots, he said.
"Thankfully, there has never been an accident, but there have been some close calls over the years.''
A near miss about four weeks ago prompted Sergeant Andrew Savage, of the police commercial vehicle investigation unit, to suggest to eight logging transport companies operating at Port Otago that they agree voluntarily to avoid using Blueskin Rd.
Under the proposal, after heavily-laden trucks had taken loads of logs to the port, they would return empty along State Highway 88 to Dunedin, and then north on State Highway 1.
"I was pleased with the response - a number of the companies said that they had stopped using the road as a result of my email,'' Sgt Savage said.
"Others wanted to discuss the situation with their business partners, such as the forestry companies, before committing.
"It is important to all the trucking companies that there is a level playing field - so that if they aren't using it [Blueskin Rd] then no-one else is either.
This was to mitigate any competitive advantage, as using Blueskin Rd was a shorter route north, saving time, fuel and mileage on trucks.
"But my key message is that it is a health and safety issue on that road, so the easiest way to mitigate it is not to use it,'' Sgt Savage said.
Contacted by The Star, Calder Stewart distribution manager Maurice Adam said his company would be happy to abide by the voluntary agreement, so long as "all the transport companies are on board''.
It was important to realise that many of the companies that were travelling over the road had contracts in place which might take Blueskin Rd into account, so some renegotiating might be necessary, Mr Adam said.
"There are a couple of things to iron out before it is all finalised, but it is looking good at this stage,'' he said.
Calder Stewart trucks used Blueskin Rd up to 10 times a day, as "an absolute maximum'', and fielded complaints from motorists from time to time.
"So ultimately, it would be better to keep off it, and I'm sure that will be the final outcome.''
Dunedin-owned City Forests sales manager Kent Chalmers said the company was happy to ask the trucking companies it dealt with to avoid using Blueskin Rd. It was good trucking companies were getting on board with Sgt Savage's request, he said.
"We appreciate as much as anyone that these are big trucks that are intimidating for motorists,'' Mr Chalmers said.
"I think the trucking companies deserve kudos for coming on board with this voluntary agreement,'' he said.
Mr Walker also praised the trucking companies, saying he was "really impressed'' with their response and that of the forestry companies.
