Heavier trucks to hit roads

Heavier trucks are set to be allowed on the roads, which the Government says will lessen trip time, reduce fuel costs and improve productivity.

A rule change taking the maximum load to 50 tonnes from 44 tonnes will be put out for public consultation this week.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce said the rule change allowed for trucks to be slightly longer, but not for them to be any wider.

Mr Joyce said the Government was "enthusiastic" about the rule change, particularly the impact it would have on productivity.

He said the heavier loads would be allowed via a "permit system", where a company applied to carry them along a particular route. It was estimated to cost $85 million to $100 million to strengthen bridges and roads to get the full benefits of the permit system.

Mr Joyce hoped the rule change would be in place by the end of this year.