This page provides information for road controlling authorities (RCAs) about what they need to know and how to work with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to incorporate changes under the new rule.
Detailed information, including background, key contacts, bridge assessment guides and the specialist vehicle permitting process can be found in the RCA information pack [PDF, 355 KB]. The pack was updated on 21 March 2017 to reflect changes to the bridge capacity table [PDF, 202 KB].
The implementation of VDAM 2016 has four key pieces of information and actions required by RCAs:
| Key rule change |
Action required by RCAs |
By when |
| Gross mass limit increases to 45/46 tonnes at 1 February 2017. Under permit unless using routes specified on new map (initially based on state highway approved routes). |
Email Waka Kotahi to inform whether own 50MAX road network can be added to the new 45/46 tonne map. |
Anytime up to 1 December 2017. |
| Gross mass limits of 45/46 tonnes on specified vehicles become general access at 1 December 2017. |
Conduct assessments of bridges and structures for the new mass limits to ensure road safety is maintained, and post any restrictions.
|
1 December 2017 |
| Passenger service vehicles operating up to 9 tonne axle limits on public transport networks become general access from 1 December 2018. |
Conduct assessments of bridges and structures on public transport networks for the new axle limits to ensure road safety is maintained. Post any restrictions. |
1 December 2018 |
| Axle mass limits for specialist vehicles available under permit. |
Understand new permit process and make changes to own permitting information and processes as required.
|
From 1 February 2017 |
Below are helpful tools and links to support you in making decisions under the new rule:
