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 make a Rule that will amend Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes 2002, and advises that the draft Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes Amendment 2014 is available for public comment.
The purpose of the proposed changes is to improve vehicle safety in the New Zealand fleet by requiring light passenger and commercial vehicles entering the fleet to be fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
ESC, which is also known by a range of proprietary names from different manufacturers, is a low-cost vehicle safety technology that greatly reduces the risk of a crash resulting from a driver losing control of a vehicle.
It is proposed to introduce mandatory ESC requirements for new vehicles from 1 July 2015 and to phase in, between
1 January 2016 and 1 January 2020, ESC requirements for imported used vehicles entering the fleet.
A copy of the draft amendment Rule and accompanying overview may be obtained by calling the NZ Transport Agency Contact Centre on freephone 0800 699 000 and is available, together with questions and answers, on the website at:
www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/light-vehicle-brakes-amendment-2014/index.html
The consultation document is also available for viewing at the NZ Transport Agency's National Office and regional offices.
Groups and individuals who have registered their interest have been advised of the availability of the draft amendment Rule for comment.
Submissions close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 22 April 2014.
For 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 11th day of March 2014.
ANGELA DUNCAN, Managing Counsel (Rules).