Construction is underway on the commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC) that’s being built on Pukenui Road outside RNZAF Base Ohakea, in Manawatū. The project is expected to be completed in early 2025.
The Ohakea CVSC will replace the old New Zealand Police weigh station on State Highway 1 and State Highway 3 near Bulls.
It’s one of 12 facilities Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is building on high-volume freight routes around the country for the NZ Police to operate. These facilities are part of the national Commercial Vehicle Safety Programme (CVSP) which is developing an integrated network of cameras, weigh-in-motion scales and safety centres covering strategic routes across the country. These facilities aim to improve road safety, ensure a level playing field for the industry and encourage compliant vehicle productivity.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Programme (CVSP)
About the commercial vehicle safety centres
Vehicle screening – how it works
View larger map of the CVSC site [PDF, 109 KB]
About the Ohakea CVSC project
The new, high-tech facility is being built on Pukenui Road, near where the new permanent double-laned roundabout has been constructed.
This location was chosen because it’s a vital link to the central and lower North Island and is a high-volume freight route with more than 2000 heavy vehicle passing daily. The construction of the new permanent roundabout on the state highway also means trucks can safely enter from both directions.
The CVSC will use advanced roadside technology to screen passing vehicles 24/7, such as weigh-in-motion or in-road scales, automatic number plate recognition cameras and electronic signs.
View larger map of the roadside technology of the CVSC site [PDF, 211 KB]
Ohakea Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) factsheet – February 2024 [PDF, 432 KB]
Heavy vehicles of interest will be directed into the CVSC for inspection. Everyday motorists (light vehicles) are also assessed but won’t be directed into the CVSC. Light vehicle data is anonymised and used for analysis, insights, and reporting.
If your vehicle is flagged during screening, a road-side electronic sign will instruct you to pull into the centre by showing your vehicle number plate on the sign once you’ve driven over the in-road scales.
If your vehicle number plate or ‘All heavy vehicles’ is displayed on the sign, you must stop at the CVSC. Not doing so can incur a $1000 fine.
At the CVSC, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team (CVST) officers will ask you to drive over the weigh bridge. CVST officers may also do further compliance checks, such as checking RUC or logbooks, or completing a vehicle inspection.
This upgraded technology on SH1/3 will help increase efficiency and streamline travel for compliant operators, because those not flagged during screening won’t need to pull into the CVSC. Using data, we will be able to focus education and compliance work toward operators who aren’t compliant on our roads, making sure they’re paying their fair share of road maintenance costs.
An upgrade was completed on the Glasnevin CVSC in Canterbury in 2022.
The Rakaia southbound CVSC is now operational.
