Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Following last night’s One News story about an overweight farm tractor and trailer and subsequent comments from Transport Minister Chris Bishop, road freight association Transporting New Zealand says it agrees those rules need to be reviewed – but it can’t just be a case of ‘anything goes’.
Chief Executive, Dom Kalasih said there is a risk that people jump to incorrect conclusions.
“Prior to Minister Bishop’s announcement in June about reforming the land transport rules, we’d been working with officials on this and unless something has dramatically changed, the requirements related to operating farm equipment on the road isn’t in the scope of the first tranche of work.
“That said, we’ll have to wait and see what comes out in October.”
While technology in the agriculture sector has improved, Kalasih cautions that the purpose of land transport rules can’t be ignored.
“These rules are in place to ensure that safety and roading infrastructure impacts are being managed, and that maintenance on those assets is being paid for. The agricultural sector needs to take accountability in managing and contributing to these things.”
“There’s no doubt that an efficient productive agricultural sector is a key part to the success of our economy. But on the flip side, I think that sector needs to appreciate there are an increasing number of motorists that are getting stuck behind farm tractors and trailers and while they’re following them, they’re thinking it all looks a bit dodgy.
“I’d hate to see a serious crash or major damage to a bridge because those vehicles were exempt from all the rules.”
Transporting New Zealand will be continuing to work with officials on the rules reform.
