Submission on Draft Land Transport Rule, Agricultural Vehicles ...

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4.14 Federated Farmers acknowledges that the alternative hazard panel configuration will still have to consistent with the standard set by the rule and that they can be no smaller than 1200 square mm in size. Also Proposal B the ‘painting of a vehicle overhang’ greater than four metres provides an alternative to displaying hazard panels. 4.15 However, the Federation believes some further amendments need to be made to Clause 6.7 (3) of Vehicle Mass and Dimension Rule 2002 (VDAM) and the provisions of the Vehicle Lighting Rule 2004. 4.16 Presently these rules require vehicles over 2.5 meters in width to be fitted at the widest point with flags during the day or to be fitted with retro-reflective hazard panels at night. These vehicles must also be fitted with a white or amber marker light forward facing and red rearward facing at each corner of the vehicle closest to the widest point, i.e. on the hazard panel. 4.17 To require the fitment of marker lights in addition to standard tail lights on all vehicles and implements and provide a power source would impose significant compliance costs on our members and would not be durable, practical or provide tangible road safety benefits. 4.18 The majority of the tractors in New Zealand have a width of 2.5 - 2.8 meters across the outside of the rear tyres and the bulk of those tractors are not fitted with either hazard panels or outline marker lighting. The safety of these vehicles on the road is a factor of their speed differential, rather than width and compliance with this rule is currently very low (see Pic 1). 4.19 When a tractor is fitted with hazard panels, they are then made redundant when an implement is fitted that is wider than the tractor; which must in turn be fitted with hazard panels at its widest point, thereby creating a duplication of panels. This point is illustrated in two of the photographs below (Pic 2-3) provided by one of the Federation’s members. Pic 1 - A tractor where a hazard panel is legally required, but has little benefit. 8
Pic 2 - Oncoming traffic clearly warned by hazard panels. Pic 3 - Protruding implement clearly identified by hazard panels. 4.20 Any implement protruding beyond the outside line of the tractor tyres is the real risk posed to other road users and Federated Farmers supports the use of Hazard Panels on these implements. 4.21 Federated Farmers recommends officials consider making the following amendments to the VDAM and the provisions of the vehicle lighting rules: a. Remove the requirement to fit marker lights on or near hazard panels. b. Tractors under three metres in width to not require hazard panels where the rear tires are the widest point. c. Implements that extend beyond the width of the tractor tyres or are in excess of three metres in width require hazard panels. d. Remove the requirement for hazard panels to be frangible, as frangible hazard panels are not durable. 9
Page 1 and 2: SUBMISSION ________________________
Page 3 and 4: a. Certain categories of all terrai
Page 5 and 6: 3.5 A person wanting to drive tract
Page 7: Towing connection components must b
Page 11 and 12: 6.1 There are several changes propo
Page 13: trailers going over 40kph will have

Submission on Draft Land Transport Rule, Agricultural Vehicles ...

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