Review of Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Te arotake i te nui me te taumaha o te waka

The 2016 Rules benefit both the heavy vehicle industry and other road users, easing congestion by increasing weight limits for heavy vehicles and reducing the number of trips they can make.

By creating limits to the permitted dimensions and mass of vehicles, the 2016 Rules create a reasonable balance between the efficient operation of the heavy motor vehicle fleet, within the constraints imposed by the road network, while ensuring heavy motor vehicles operate safely.

Road controlling authorities, such as local councils, still have the authority to approve specialist vehicles and decide where heavier vehicles can travel.

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2016(external link)

Working with Waka Kotahi we drafted and consulted on the new Rules, which allowed operators to carry more in fewer trips by making better use of heavy vehicles’ existing capabilities and the road network capacity.

The new Rules also:

• encouraged fleet renewal by allowing industry to access a wider range of vehicle suppliers who could provide vehicles built to international dimensions and mass limits while taking into account modern safety, emissions, and performance technologies
• provided for more effective planning in the safer movement of large loads
• allowed Waka Kotahi and local authorities greater flexibility in permitting and standardising the treatment of loads under permit to provide regulatory efficiency and reduce compliance costs
• reduced the weight that vehicles could carry so operators were less likely to overload their vehicles.

We received 76 submissions in response to the consultation document. As a result of the consultation, some aspects of the new Rules were amended.

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2016 Consultation(external link)

The purpose of the review and consultation on proposed changes to the VDAM Rules was to improve productivity and reduce compliance costs, while maintaining or improving safety.

After 14 years and 11 amendments the VDAM Rules were due for a comprehensive review. Although they generally worked well, changes were needed to:

• meet projected increases in land-based freight and the demand for passenger transport
• take advantage of innovation in vehicle technology, design and use, to ensure it contributed positively to productivity, safety and environmental outcomes
• make better use of New Zealand’s considerable investment in roads.

As part of the consultation, 7 public workshops were held. We received 198 submissions in response to the consultation document. After considering the submissions, we worked with Waka Kotahi to draft an amendment Rule to put proposed changes into place.

The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 (VDAM Rules) set heavy vehicle size and weight limits, and performance and use requirements, while balancing productivity, efficiency, safety and cost objectives.

The Rules were a significant component of the system governing access to and use of New Zealand’s roads. Their objective was to:

• manage road safety risk resulting from vehicle dimensions and mass, and
• achieve a reasonable balance between the risks that heavy motor vehicles present to public safety and the efficient operation of the heavy vehicle fleet within the constraints imposed by the road network.

The VDAM Rules applied to heavy vehicles operating on New Zealand roads that move people, livestock, goods and other freight, materials and special equipment.