In New Zealand there has been little systematic research into how residents on main truck routes are affected by heavy vehicles. In order to increase understanding about how heavy vehicles affect residents, the authors surveyed a total of 255 residents on main arterial roads and state highways in Auckland, Whangarei, Gisborne, and Mt Maunganui. The survey focused on answering three questions: 1. how much of a concern are traffic and heavy vehicles in comparison to other community concerns; 2. how much of a concern are heavy vehicles in comparison to other traffic issues, and; 3. what are the specific effects of heavy vehicles on residents’ lives and activities. The results of this study showed that heavy vehicles are a significant community issue for residents on main arterial roads and state highways and that a specific demographic are more likely to be affected by them. It is interesting to note that residents showed a much stronger dislike of heavy vehicles in the roads where the actual volume was the lowest. Therefore, it is important to try and establish the causes of negative perceptions of heavy vehicles (given that it is not related to the sheer volume). (a)
Abstract