Ask Phoebe: Bridge cameras seek overweight vehicles

Photo / NZ Herald

Cameras on the northern end of the harbour bridge are aimed at individual lanes. Are they recording details using their new number plate vehicle ID system? Do they intend sending tickets to vehicles without a current WOF or registration as in the UK? Jeff Sole, Auckland.

These are, indeed, number plate recognition cameras, but unless you drive a heavy vehicle, you need not worry. The cameras were installed by the NZ Transport Agency a year ago to spot overweight trucks using the box girder or clip-on lanes. It is part of a move to take a tougher line on trucks carrying illegal loads of 44 tonnes or more.

The NZTA has no legal power to prosecute, but it does send warning letters and passes details of frequent offenders to the police so that trucks can be weighed at other locations. An overweight truck's registration, warrant of fitness and road user charge payments may also be checked.

The NZTA has no plans to extend the use of cameras to monitor other vehicles, but we will all benefit from the scheme, because ensuring weight regulations are observed will extend the economic life of the clip-ons.

My route to work takes me through the new tram route near the Viaduct Harbour precinct. What are the traffic laws regarding trams? In Melbourne, they have right of way at all times. Is that the case here? Tristan Rossiter-Sheehy, Auckland.

Trams in New Zealand do not have automatic right of way over other traffic. Normal road rules apply. It pays to be wary though; trams have greater momentum than cars and so take longer to stop.

I sometimes see a 4WD driving around the New Lynn/ Avondale area, bearing number plates like the old Maori tribes flag with a single digit number. If these are legal, how do I get one? If they are not legal, why are the police not taking action? Alan McArdle, Auckland.

They are legal. The personalised plates website offers ideas on customised logo plates, which may incorporate logos and colours beside the registration numbers and letters. To see what is available, go to www.plates.co.nz

Can you confirm that motor vehicles leaving the BP service station on Great North Rd in Waterview should give way to pedestrians and cyclists using the shared footpath/cycleway? I frequently find the cycleway blocked by cars waiting to turn on to Great North Rd and have had drivers give me evil looks (or worse) when I ride around the front of their car. If I am correct and vehicles do have to give way, perhaps BP could put up a sign that makes this clear. Tadd Clayton, Avondale.

The road code states that when a vehicle is crossing a cycleway or footpath, the driver must give way to legitimate users of these paths. That seems clear. If the cycleway is blocked by a vehicle, perhaps you would be safer to ride behind it rather than in front. Just a thought.