Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Govt promises review of farm vehicle rules

Updated at 2:30 pm on 20 September 2011

The Government has responded to complaints from agricultural contractors and farmers by announcing an immediate review of transport rules affecting their operations.

Contractors have been complaining that the existing rules covering work-time and logbook requirements are too inflexible.

They say the rules don't take account of conditions during harvesting, when they may have to work longer and irregular hours in order to harvest crops when the weather is right.

Associate Transport Minister Nathan Guy says a variation to the work-time rule that the New Zealand Transport Agency began trialling last year has been well received.

Associate Transport Minister Nathan Guy says a variation to the work-time rule that the New Zealand Transport Agency began trialling last year has been well received.

He says the review will also look into the rules covering over-dimension and overweight vehicles, speed limits and vehicle inspections.

Mr Guy acknowledges that many farm vehicles, such as tractors carrying heavy loads, may not spend much time on public roads.

Officials will consult with the industry, Federated Farmers, rural contractors and other road-user groups during the review and also consider how overseas regulatory models compare with New Zealand's.

They will report back to the Government early next year.

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