Wednesday, 15 August 2012 14:47

Rules change planned for agri vehicles

Written by 

PLANNED CHANGES to the rules for agricultural vehicles will reduce compliance costs while still ensuring safety, says Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges.

 The change is to a two-tier system for agricultural vehicles based on a 40km/h operating speed.  Vehicles operating below this speed will be exempt warrants of fitness and work time requirements. 

 A new licence endorsement will allow car licence holders to drive a greater range of agricultural vehicles if they have the skills. 

Other changes will improve and simplify the rules on pilot vehicles, work time variation schemes, hazard identification and vehicle visibility. 

 “Safety remains a key factor,” Bridges says. “Agricultural vehicles [must] use a flashing amber beacon to better alert other road users to [their] presence. Better and less regulation [will improve] compliance and flexibility for vehicle owners.”

 A review in September 2011 responded to farmers’ and contractors’ concerns that existing laws failed to take into account the special nature of farm vehicles and the demands of production. 

Introducing the changes for agricultural vehicles will require land transport rule amendments, and Bridges says there will be further opportunities for industry and the public to make submissions.  

More like this

Ag sector is here to stay

OPINION: In twelve months’ time, plus or minus, we’ll be in the same place, give or take, and thinking the same things, more or less.

Farming needs policy certainty

National Party leader Simon Bridges explains his party's view on farming and where the Coalition Government is failing. 

Nats launch primary sector policies

A newly elected National government would offer special work visas for primary sector workers, instantly deport visitors breeching biosecurity laws and set up mobile health clinics for remote rural regions.

New career?

The Hound reckons former agriculture minister and speaker of the House David Carter is heeding calls for him to get out of the political game.

Featured

$52,500 fine for effluent mismanagement

A Taupiri farming company has been convicted and fined $52,500 in the Hamilton District Court for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent into the environment.

Ospri brings Bovine TB testing in-house

The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.

National

Machinery & Products

Fliegl offers effluent solutions

Founded in Germany as recently as 1977, today, the Fliegl Group employs more than 1100 workers, offering an expansive range…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

It's all about economics

OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter