Transporting New Zealand backs review of farm tractor road rules

Dom Kalasih, chief executive of Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand, says there is a risk that people jump to incorrect conclusions.

He says that prior to Transport Minister Chris Bishop’s June announcement of the reforming of land transport rules, his organisation had been working with officials on reform, “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,” Kalasih says.

He says that while technology in the agricultural sector has improved, he 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,” Kalasih says. “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,” he says.

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“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,” Kalasih adds.