The NZ Transport Agency is committed to doing everything it can to ensure the safety of all road users. That’s why from 17 August 2015 we will be introducing a safety check when assessing all high productivity motor vehicle (HPMV) permit applications, including over length and 50MAX. Considering the safety of all road users and the durability of roads are two of the factors to be reflected when issuing a permit under the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimension and Mass 2002.
That’s why from 17 August 2015 we will be introducing an operator safety check when assessing all high productivity motor vehicle (HPMV) permit applications, including over length and 50MAX. This does not affect any existing permits, only new applications from 17 August.
For the vast majority of operators in New Zealand the safety check will have no effect on their permit being issued, how long it takes for their application to be processed, or the cost.
The permit safety check had been discussed with various industry interest groups for some months prior to its introduction. The safety check is seen as a mechanism that can help give both the Transport Agency and roading authorities confidence that access and use of their roads is being appropriately managed.
The safety check will look at the Operator Rating System score for the previous two years, together with certainany traffic offences, permit and weight breaches recorded over the previous 12 months. The size of the operator’s fleet will also be taken into account in establishing whether there is a safety risk in granting a permit.
If theWhere we have safety check raises any areas of concern, the permitting team will discuss the application with the regional Commercial Transport team where the operator is based. Aconcerns, a limited 12 month permit maywill be issued while we work with the operator to improve the safety of their business. issued.
Where we have serious safety concerns, the permit application will be declined. Any operator who is declined a permit is able to request a review of the decision by writing to the Transport Agency’s Operations Manager, Customer Access.
If an operator is declined or issued with a limited permit, once again the regional Commercial Transportour commercial transport team will work with them to help them improve the safety of their business.
Any operator who is declined a permit is able to request a review of the decision by writing to the Transport Agency’s Operations Manager, Customer Access.
How does the safety check process work?
The Transport Agency’s Freight & Register Records team, who process the permit application, will conduct the safety check. The team looks at the Operator Rating System (ORS) score for the previous two years, with weight given as to whether the trendAgency is improving, stable, or deteriorating. Other compliance information for the previous 12 monthsfocussed on making New Zealand’s freight system safer and more efficient. New Zealand’s freight task is also reviewed, where available, including traffic offences (not already included in ORS)forecast to grow from 236 to 373 million tonnes by 2042 and any weight based offending or permit breaches.
If certain offences have been recorded, such as exceeding HPMV limits and exceeding gross weight offences, then these will be given a greater weighting than the likes of safety camera offences when considering the application. The number of vehicles in the operator’s fleet will also be taken into account.
Most operators will be granted a permit without any extra time being addedour priority is to the process.improve safety and efficiency to move more freight with fewer truck trips using HPMVs.
However, if there are safety concerns as a result of this check, the Freight & Register Records team will discuss the application with the regional Commercial Transport team where the operator is based. This regional consultation acts as a safeguard to ensure all the available information is gathered before a decision is made.
Following this discussion a permit may be issued for 12 months, with or without additional conditions which will need to be put in place by the operator to minimise any safety risk. In some cases, the application may be declined.
Frequently asked questions
Why are we doing the checks?
When assessing HPMV permit applications, the Transport Agency has a statutory responsibility to consider, among other factors, the safety of the vehicle and the safety of other road users (Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimension and Mass 2002).
What is the purpose of the check?
When assessing applications, the Transport Agency must consider two aspects of safety under the Land Transport Rule. While the safety of the vehicle with respect to other road users is duly considered, the assessment of any potential risk created by the operator responsible for the permit must also be assessed usingchecked with reference to available information on operator performance. performance.
Do all new permit applicants get checked?
Yes - from 17 August 2015 all operators applying for an HPMV permit including over length and 50 MAX permits have been subject tofrom 17 August will require a safety check. Existing permits are not affected.
What happens if I pass the safety check?What happens if I pass the check?
You will be issued a 24 month permit.
What happens if I fail the safety check?
Depending on the result of your check the Transport Agency will contact you to discuss your compliance performance before making a decision on the validity period of any permit to be issued. As a consequence of that discussioncheck, you could receive a limited permit - for 12 months which may include conditions of operation, or not be issued a permit at all.
How can I appeal the check result and decisionHow is the check carried out?
The Operator Rating System (ORS) score for the previous two years will be taken into account, with weight given as to whether the trend is improving, stable, or deteriorating. Other compliance information for the previous 12 months is also reviewed, where available, including traffic offences (not already included in ORS) and any weight based offending or permit breaches.
Who does the check?
The safety check will be carried out by the permitting team in the Transport Agency Freight & Register Records team, who already manage your permit application.
How can I appeal the check result?
If you are not satisfied with the result of the safety check, you can appeal the decision by writing to the Transport Agency, Customer Access, Operations Manager to initiate a review. If you appeal the decision you will have a response within 10 working days.
Who can I speak to about my safety check?
Call 0800 699 000 and ask to speak to someone from the Freight and Register Records team.
How can I improve the safety of my business?
Contact the Transport Agency office in your region and ask to speak to a commercial transport officer, who willofficer; we can then discuss the various methods to help you improve your safety such as vehicle maintenance and driver management.
How long does the safety check take and will this add time to the permit process?
- If the safety check indicates that you are compliant the processing of your permit application will not be delayed
- If the check indicates that you are non-compliant you will be contacted and advised by the permit processing team of the status of your permit application and what that means.
Will the safety check affect the prescribed application fee forcost of a permit?
No, the application fee forcost of your permit will remain the same.