Demonstration organiser Peter Sutherland, of Dunedin, said between 110 and 115 trucks from Otago, Canterbury and central Southland converged on Dunedin 's CBD this morning. Drivers were told to obey road rules and instructions from police prior to the demonstration.
Two groups of trucks left from North Dunedin and Andersons Bay at 7.30am, and met in the Octagon an hour later. Trucks, ranging from 44 tonne "line-haul" trucks to small farm vehicles, were still dispersing from the central city at 9am.
"I was really pleased by the response and that drivers stuck to the plan," Mr Sutherland.
Drivers from haulage company who would not be affected directly by the increases turned out in a show of solidarity for business owners, and and owner operators who would "have to pass the costs on to clients as soon as possible", he said.
[comment caption=Do you support the truck drivers' protest?]"The extra cost for a large line-haul truck will now be about $6500, and I think we all realise the costs will be passed on."
Many trucks displayed banners expressing anger at increases to road user charges, which were announced by government on Tuesday.
Emergency response co-ordinator Inspector Alastair Dickie, of Dunedin, said presented police with an "all hands to the pumps" scenario.
About 35 police from stations in Dunedin, Mosgiel, Highway patrol staff and even youth aid officers were called in to
"We were very happy with the way it went, and had good co-operation from the drivers who adhered to road rules," Insp Dickie said.
Police diverted traffic away from the main route and drivers did not block roads. Police had returned to normal duties by 9.30am.
Earlier, George St in central Dunedin had been gridlocked as truckers continued their protest which started from the one-way system.
Up to eight buses were delayed after being caught up in the action, part of nationwide protests at increases in road user charges.
Before that Dunedin's north and southbound one-way streets were clogged with up to 100 trucks and traffic has slowed to about 20kmh.
The truckers then drove to the Octagon and started circling before inching their way up George St.
Police are manning every major intersections and attempting to manage traffic flow.
The truckers, who left in simultaneous convoys about 7.30am from the north and south of town, were allowing cars on to the road but commuters were being forced to travel at a slow pace.
Earlier, police said they would bring in extra staff to limit disruption to motorists this morning as Otago transport operators take part in nationwide protests at increases in road user charges.
Demonstration organisers yesterday told police up to 100 trucks, travelling in two groups on the one-way street system - one from North Dunedin, the other from Andersons Bay - were expected to converge on the Octagon about 8.30am.
Emergency response commander Inspector Alastair Dickie, of Dunedin, said police had devised a plan to limit disruption to motorists after meeting protest organisers yesterday.
"Our aim is to keep things moving . . . We will certainly be monitoring progress along the route," Insp Dickie said.
About 35 police from Dunedin stations would be taken off normal duties to cover the demonstration while reserve staff would respond to emergency calls.
"Initially, we had concerns they would block roads but it seems [transport operators] are taking a common-sense approach.
"They are travelling along a pre-determined route and have provided a map.
"But given the number of trucks expected, a reasonable level of disruption is expected - [organisers] were talking up to 100 trucks without trailers," he said.
Auckland police yesterday advised motorists either to leave for work earlier than usual or stay home, as more than 1000 heavy trucks were expected to converge on the inner city from about 7.30am.
Wellington City Area emergency response manager Inspector Simon Perry said police were strongly advising commuters and travellers to avoid motorways and the CBD between 7am and 10am.
Dunedin City Council communications co-ordinator Rodney Bryant said the council "had contingency plans" and would monitor the situation.
He would not comment further.
Dunedin demonstration organiser Peter Sutherland last night said he expected about 100 trucks to converge in Dunedin.
"The response has blown me away. Earlier in the week we thought 40 trucks might be possible, but operators from South Otago and Christchurch have timed their delivery runs to . . . take part," he said.
Transport operators wanted an independent review into the formula the Government used to calculate road user charges, he said.
The protests follow the announcement on Tuesday by Transport Minister Annette King of increased charges for all diesel-powered vehicles and others weighing more than 3.5 tonnes.
Protests will also be held in Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch,Timaru, Alexandra, Invercargill and Gore.
Parliament has passed legislation which allows regional authorities to impose a fuel tax for roading and public transport projects, NZPA reported.
They can raise a maximum 10c a litre, although they cannot do it all at once and 2c is the most that can be charged in the first year.
