Will the Minister commit to directing NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to look into a nationally consistent permit system for agricultural machinery that cannot currently obtain permits under the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rules; if not, why not?

Answer

I am advised by NZTA that it already operates a nationally consistent permitting framework for overweight and overdimension vehicles, including agricultural machinery, for state highways and local roads where an agreement is in place with the local authority to undertake permitting on their behalf. Agricultural vehicles that exceed standard Vehicle Dimensions and Mass limits are assessed on a route and vehicle-specific basis, taking into account factors such as weight, dimensions, axle configuration and infrastructure constraints.