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 applies to vehicle dimensions and mass, and advises that draft Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2016 is available for public comment.

The purpose of the proposed Rule is to deliver productivity improvements, greater regulatory efficiency and reduced compliance costs without compromising the road transport system and road user safety outcomes. The review of the current legislation aims to deliver benefits that:

• further enable “more freight on fewer trips” by better utilising the existing size and weight envelope available to heavy vehicles;
• support easier uptake of safety, emission and electric vehicle technologies by providing access to a wider range of vehicle suppliers that build to dimension and mass limits accepted in other jurisdictions;
• allow road controlling authorities (RCAs) greater flexibility in permitting and also standardise the treatment of loads under permit to reduce compliance costs;
• further increase compliance incentives by reducing weighing tolerance thresholds; and
• provide for more effective planning in the safe movement of the largest overdimension loads.

A copy of the draft 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/vdam-2016

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 Rule for comment.

Submissions close at 5.00pm on Friday 12 August 2016.

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 8th day of July 2016.

ANGELA DUNCAN, Managing Counsel (Rules), NZ Transport Agency.