This follows analysis of almost 200 submissions on the VDAM discussion document, which closed for consultation on 17 February.
Currently, proposals are being finalised in preparation for formal advice to Ministers. The intended release date for the draft Rule has been slightly delayed due to the complexity of the policy analysis.
Following publication of the 'yellow' draft of the new Rule, there will be a 4 to 5 week submission period, during which MoT and the Transport Agency will be engaging with industry and stakeholders around the proposals.
Why is VDAM being reviewed?
Freight levels are expected to increase by 58 percent over the next 30 years. The majority of this growth will be in road freight, meaning more heavy vehicles on the roads.
Doing nothing to increase the efficiency of road transport is not an option, and would not be a wise choice in terms of the longer-term impact on local roads. An important aim of the review is to allow improved transport productivity through a better fit between heavy vehicles and the roading network, particularly given on-going changes in vehicle technology, design and use.
The benefits the review aims to deliver are:
- Making better use of New Zealand's roading network
- Increasing productivity, meaning fewer heavy vehicle kilometres for an equivalent freight task
- Improving road safety and community well-being by encouraging freight and passengers to be carried by safer vehicles
- Improving vehicle operator compliance
The VDAM Rule, which regulates the dimensions and mass of vehicles on NZ roads, has been in place for over 13 years. This is the first comprehensive review of the Rule.
Meanwhile Bus and coach operators now have more scope to meet the travel preferences of their customers, include more features on coaches, and access a broader range of bus designs when renewing their fleet – thanks to an amendment to the VDAM (Vehicle Dimensions and Mass) Rule which came into effect on April 15.
Associate Minister of Transport, Craig Foss, amended the VDAM Rule to provide bus and coach operators with access to heavier axle mass limits or weight, through permits. The amendment also allows for greater innovation in hybrid and electric buses, which typically have a greater axle load due to carrying batteries.
New Zealand’s bus and coach industry is responsible for 153 million local and international passenger journeys annually.