Resources

This research report on the strategic electronic monitoring of heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) was prepared by Traffic Design Group in 2011–12. The aim of the research was to provide a conceptual framework within which technology systems could be operated at strategic, tactical and operational levels. The goal is to improve national productivity, by maximising efficiency for transport operators and enforcement staff alike, improving road safety, improving protection of road and bridge assets and creating a fairer economic environment through greater compliance with HCV legislation.

Overloaded HCVs create significant additional wear and tear, damage and even reduce the economic lift of New Zealand’s roads and highways. Overloaded vehicles do not pay for the additional tonnes they carry, leaving the considerable extra maintenance and renewal costs to be unfairly borne by operators who pay their correct share of road user charges. Overloading of vehicles beyond the legally allowable weight can also compromise the vehicle’s body, brakes, chassis, wheels and/or engine.

Currently 84% of freight travels by road within New Zealand and the volume is predicted to double.

The aim and recurring theme throughout this research report is improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the fundamental enforcement process, which is to identify, process and release or escalate.

Keywords: compliance, electronic monitoring, enforcement, fair competition, heavy commercial vehicles, intelligent transport systems, legal issues, operational issues, overloading, prevention, road damage, road safety, technical issues, weigh in motion (WIM)