Changes to simplify rules for agricultural vehicles, previously detailed in DieselTalk HERE, have been confirmed, and are expected to come into force in the first half of 2013.
Associate transport minister Simon Bridges says changes to the rules for agricultural vehicles will reduce compliance costs while still ensuring safety.
“The Ministry of Transport received submissions on the proposals and carried out consultation workshops with industry. The government has considered this feedback, as well as research into crashes, and the approaches of overseas jurisdictions, and has agreed to progress a number of changes,” says Bridges.
Many submissions suggested that implementation of this review needs to wait until the government has made decisions about vehicle licensing reform.
John Tulloch, of Tulloch Farm Machines in Masterton, is happy to see changes being made, but notes a few suggestions haven’t been taken on board.
“Overall I’m impressed that they are making changes, and sensible ones too – it’s a positive move.
“I don’t see it helping sales so much, but rather operators and contractors will be able to run their businesses more efficiently.
“My personal submission, unfortunately, has been overlooked. It was in regard to the hazard panels displayed on equipment. We deal in European machinery and the panels that come with these are deemed illegal in New Zealand, for no particular reason other than they are a different colour.
“We used to have to change the panel entirely but now stickers are available to apply to these. However, the stickers don’t last and are not ideal.
“The Europeans are very safety conscious and the panels reflect this, I don’t see why there can’t be an exemption on these,” says Tulloch.
The changes establish a two-tier system for agricultural vehicles based on a 40km/h operating speed. Vehicles operating below this speed will be exempt from warrant of fitness and work-time requirements.
A new licence endorsement will allow car licence holders to drive a greater range of agricultural vehicles once they prove they have the skills to do so. 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. The changes include a requirement that agricultural vehicles use a flashing amber beacon. This will better alert other road users to the presence of agricultural vehicles and associated hazards,” says Bridges.
“The changes also reflect the government’s focus on better and less regulation by improving compliance and providing greater operational flexibility for agricultural vehicle owners.
“Farmers and contractors sometimes work long and irregular hours. For instance, crops need to be harvested when they are ready and when the weather is right. The laws on the use of agricultural vehicles need to be fit for purpose and the proposed changes better reflect the needs of this very important industry.”
Introducing the changes for agricultural vehicles will require land transport rule amendments, and there will be further opportunities for industry and the public to make submissions.
