The Ohakea Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) is set to open this week, marking a significant step forward for road safety and compliance on key freight routes in the Manawatū region. Located on Pukenui Road, just outside RNZAF Base Ohakea, the centre replaces the old New Zealand Police weigh station previously servicing State Highway 1 and State Highway 3 near Bulls. This modern facility forms part of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s nationwide Commercial Vehicle Safety Programme (CVSP), which aims to establish a network of high-tech safety centres along strategic routes for NZ Police operations .

The site was strategically chosen as it serves as a major link in the central and lower North Island, with more than 2,000 heavy vehicles passing each day. Enhanced by a permanent double-laned roundabout, the facility allows trucks to safely enter from both directions.

The new Ohakea CVSC utilizes advanced roadside technology to operate 24/7. Features include weigh-in-motion or in-road scales, automatic number plate recognition cameras, and electronic signage. Heavy vehicles flagged during the roadside screening process are directed into the centre for further inspection, while data from light vehicles is anonymized and used solely for analysis and reporting. Non-compliance, such as ignoring electronic stop signs, can result in fines up to $1,000. 

Once inside, Commercial Vehicle Safety Team (CVST) officers conduct further checks, like weigh bridge measurements, RUC or logbook inspections, and vehicle condition assessments. This process streamlines journeys for compliant operators by allowing those not flagged during screening to continue their journey uninterrupted. By focusing on operators who aren’t compliant, the system helps ensure every road user pays their fair share toward road upkeep and enhances industry fairness.

With construction entering its final stages, the Ohakea CVSC is expected to bring significant benefits in road safety, efficient freight movement, and fair compliance practices on opening this week.