The AA is disappointed that Waka Kotahi is going ahead with a truck weigh station north of Rakaia despite safety concerns raised by multiple groups.

Located between the Rakaia River and Rakaia rail overhead bridges, critics say the short, narrow stretch of road SH1 is an unsuitable place to have heavy vehicles slowing down and trying to get back up to speed while entering and exiting weighbridges on either side of the road.

The AA’s Canterbury/West Coast chairman John Skevington is disappointed Waka Kotahi has chosen to proceed, saying the activity will disrupt traffic and increase the likelihood of crashes.    

“We believe the distance between the bridges is too short for its safe operation. Conditions could become particularly challenging on wet days with poorer visibility and slippery roads making it harder for both trucks and other traffic to stop.

“The Government’s Vision Zero road safety approach is based around the fact that people make mistakes and roads should be designed to minimise the risks of a mistake causing serious harm. This location doesn’t fit with that approach.”

He noted the Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown also objected to the positioning of the split station which will see facilities placed on both sides of the road to service northbound and southbound lanes for safety reasons.

For more information contact:

John Skevington
AA Canterbury/West Coast Chairman
New Zealand Automobile Association
M. 027 436 0860