VDAM RULE 2016 AND UPDATED ADVICE FOR 50 MAX VEHICLE USERS

Associate Minister of Transport Craig Foss has signed the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass (VDAM) Rule 2016 and it was gazetted on 24 November 2016. The revised rule comes into force on 1 February 2017. Please note that the VDAM Rule 2002 remains in effect until this date.

The NZ Transport Agency has created a new page on their website where members can find the revised rule and supporting information - visit nzta.govt.nz/vdamrule2016. It has been made available now so the sector can familiarise itself with the changes in the rule and how they may affect operations and vehicle selections, prior to implementation. The same page also provides questions and answers relating to the new rule.

Available on the webpage are summary guides which can be downloaded or printed. There are three versions that focus on different aspects of the rule for operators:

• Overview of changes – including general access and dimensions

• What’s changed for over-dimension vehicles and loads

• Introducing specialist vehicles.

If members have any questions, please contact the VDAM project team at vdam2016@nzta.govt.nz

50 MAX Information Regarding Acceptable Wheel Assemblies

NZTA has now formally codified its position in regard to the 50MAX vehicles to be fitted with twin tyred axle and wheel assemblies.

Reinforcement of the need for 50MAX vehicles to have twin tyred axles is now at the top of the pro-forma page and is accessible through the link below