The second weigh station north of Rakaia will become fully operational next week.

The northbound Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre, north of the Rakaia Rail overbridge between Weavers Road and North Rakaia Road, will open from Wednesday [October 8].

The southbound centre, on North Rakaia Road just before the Rakaia River Birdge, has been operational since mid-2024.

Both centres screen heavy vehicles using weigh-in-motion scales and number plate recognition.

The scales and electronic signage for the northbound centre are located in the Rakaia township, just before the Rakaia River Bridge.

The scales and signs for the southbound centre are either side of Weavers Road.

If a truck is flagged by the scales, and or camera, the roadside signage will direct them to pull in at the upcoming centre where Police are onsite to carry out further checks.

Failing to stop when signalled can result in a $1000 fine.

On the first day of the southbound centre’s operation, Police issued one driver’s truck a pink sticker indicating it was not fit to be on the road.

Intersection Speed Zone are also active on State Highway 1, slowing traffic to 60km/h when vehicles are turning out of Weavers Road and North Rakaia Road.

NZTA reports the Rakaia northbound centre is one of 12 vehicle centres it is building on high volume freight routes that will provide data on heavy vehicle operator and truck behaviour and identify potential vehicle non-compliance.