Construction has begun on the Rakaia northbound commercial vehicle safety centre, and is expected to be complete in late 2025.
Weigh-in-motion scales, static vehicle recognition cameras, and variable message signage have been installed on state highway 1 Rakaia.
This technology will screen passing 24/7 and direct any con-compliant heavy vehicles into the CVSC. Once operational, Police officers on site will check on vehicle weight, road user charges (RUC), certificate of fitness, logbook and driver impairment.
The Rakaia CVSCs will be split with facilities on both sides of SH1 so vehicles can turn left in and left out.
The northbound site is between Weavers Road and North Rakaia Road and the southbound site is on the opposite side of SH1 near North Rakaia Road.
The southbound site became operational in June 2024.
Rakaia southbound commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC)
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This location has been chosen as it is an essential link between one of New Zealand’s largest agricultural hubs and the Christchurch ports.
Around 40% of New Zealand’s forestry and agriculture exports comes from south of Rakaia, meaning there’s a really high concentration of freight and heavy vehicles travelling in this area every day.
Screening vehicles in this area will allow us to identify and target non-compliant operators, reduce road maintenance by reducing overloading on the network, and keep freight moving on this high-volume route.
Speed limits around Rakaia are affected by the new speed rule.
Both the recently changed speed limits on SH1, through Rakaia and north of Rakaia over the Rakaia Bridge, are affected by this new rule.
More information about the new rule and how it affects different types of roads is available on our website.
