In accordance with section 161(2) of the Land Transport Act 1998, the NZ Transport Agency, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, gives notice of the Minister’s intention to amend seven Land Transport Rules that apply to vehicles used for agricultural purposes, and advises that Land Transport Rule: Agricultural Vehicles Omnibus 2012 ("the Omnibus Rule") is available for public comment.
Amendments are proposed to the following Land Transport Rules:
Driver Licensing 1999 (Rule 91001)
Heavy Vehicles 2004 (Rule 31002)
Road User 2004 (Rule 61001)
Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 (Rule 41001)
Vehicle Lighting 2004 (Rule 32005)
Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 (Rule 35001/1)
Work Time and Logbooks 2007 (Rule 62001)
The aim of the proposed changes is to ensure that legislation that affects the primary production sector is fit for purpose and does not impose unnecessary costs or restrictions, including on the ability of the sector to manage critical agricultural operations where time or the weather is a limiting factor.
These proposed changes follow a review of agricultural transport legislation, involving Government agencies, key transport and agriculture industry stakeholders and the public, that considered which changes could be made to allow greater flexibility while maintaining safety for operators and other road users.
A copy of Land Transport Rule: Agricultural Vehicles Omnibus 2012 and information about the amendment proposals can be obtained by calling the NZ Transport Agency Contact Centre on freephone 0800 699 000, or on the website
www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/agricultural-vehicles-omnibus-2012/index.html
The consultation material is also available for viewing at the NZ Transport Agency’s national office and regional offices.
Groups and individuals who have registered an interest in the individual Rules to be amended have been advised of the availability of the Omnibus Rule for comment.
Submissions on Land Transport Rule: Agricultural Vehicles Omnibus 2012 close on 30 November 2012.
For further information about the Rules process, contact
the Rules Team, NZ Transport Agency, Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141, or email
rules@nzta.govt.nz
Dated at Wellington this 23rd day of October 2012.
ANGELA DUNCAN, Managing Counsel (Rules).