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: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002, and advises that the draft Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2015 is available for public comment.

The purpose of the proposed changes is to allow road controlling authorities, such as Auckland Transport, to issue permits to high productivity buses where there are bus volume constraints on main transport corridors, to allow them to exceed the current axle weight limits. This will enable heavier buses such as double-decker buses to operate on certain routes. Such permits will only be issued where pavements are sufficiently robust.

A copy of the draft Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment Rule and accompanying overview material 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/vehicle-dimensions-and-mass-amendment-2015/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 their interest have been advised of the availability of the draft Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment Rule for comment.

Submissions close at 5.00pm on Thursday 2 April 2015.

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 17th day of February 2015.

ANGELA DUNCAN, Managing Counsel (Rules).