Heavier trucks on Waitaki roads could increase maintenance and replacement costs by 30% to 40% - and transport companies should have to pay, some Waitaki district councillors believe.
The issue came up at the council's committee of the whole yesterday, with an application by Hilton Heavy Haulage to use 50-tonne trucks on five of Waitaki's roads for the next year. The usual truck limit is 44 tonnes.
The committee has recommended Hilton Haulage be given access to named council roads for "high productivity motor vehicle usage" trucks of 50 tonnes.
However, council roading manager Michael Voss will set conditions for using those roads to minimise damage, recover monitor costs and seek restitution where appropriate.
The Government in mid-2010 passed legislation allowing for heavier trucks, known as high productivity motor vehicles, to use roads subject to permits and other conditions, including getting approval for routes.
Under the legislation, Hilton Haulage applied to the Waitaki council to use the trucks because of an increase in efficiency and a major reduction in truck trips.
However, Mr Voss said the council's roads were not designed to carry trucks of that weight and it would have a major effect on maintenance and reduce the life of the routes.
Chief executive Michael Ross said the Government had allowed for larger trucks, but at the same time reduced the amount of subsidy to the council for road maintenance.
The cost of bigger trucks on council roads could have a significant impact on ratepayers, unless the council took precautions.
Some councillors suggested the committee decline the application, but committee chairman Cr Jim Hopkins said this could lead to the Government overriding it.
Instead, the committee decided to recommend Hilton Haulage have access to the roads it wanted with its 50-tonne trucks, but with provisions to recover costs which may occur.
Extra heavy
The Waitaki roads wanted for Hilton Heavy Haulage 50-tonne trucks:
• Fortification Rd (Springfield Rd to SH1)
• Eastern Rd (Special School Rd to SH83)
• Seven Mile Rd (SH83 to SH1)
• Settlement Rd (Tallentire Rd to SH83)
• Corbett Rd (Steward Rd to SH1).
