New Zealand has been carrying out a year long trial to evaluate the use of 50 tonne payload freight trucks, which has encouraged the government to introduce a scheme allowing the restricted use of these vehicles. The consultation process began in 2008, when the Minister of Transport said; ‘the projected doubling of the road freight task by about 2020 means freight needs to be moved as efficiently as possible. An increase in the limits for heavy vehicles is expected to improve vehicle productivity by consolidating loads and reducing the number of vehicles required to distribute that freight.’
The heavier payloads will be allowed under a strictly controlled permit system.