Speed, weight limits lower in quake-hit Christchurch

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Christchurch police have imposed lower speed and vehicle weight limits in the central business district (CBD) after residents complained trucks removing quake rubble were shaking their already damaged homes and throwing up large clouds of dust.

Three hundred trucks, making 1800 trips a day, are working to clear debris and liquefaction dust from the city's red zone following last month's 6.3 magnitude quake.

"The earthquake has left many Christchurch roads and bridges in a vulnerable state and to avoid further damage it is necessary to limit vehicle speed and weight around the city," Christchurch commercial vehicle investigation unit Sergeant Max Newman said.

Vehicles are to be no heavier than 3.5 tonnes and travel no faster than 30km/h throughout most of the CBD.

"Trucks create strong vibrations in damaged homes where rigidity is destroyed, mimicking aftershocks and causing stress through concerns of more damage," Mr Newman said.

"Speed amplifies this effect, besides creating obvious road safety risks."

Last week, police, the Road Transport Association of New Zealand, New Zealand Trucking Association, New Zealand Contractors Federation and contracting companies met to discuss the movement of heavy traffic in and out of the city.

The organisations agreed to comply with the road safety requirements.

"It is also important to note that police are aware of complaints about the poor driving behaviour of non-commercial drivers since the earthquake, including issues with speed, running red lights, using cell phones and failing to wear seatbelts. Police will focus equal attention on these issues," Mr Newman said.

- NZPA