The NZ Transport Agency has been working with Northland DHB and Whangarei District Council on  improvements that will include installing traffic lights at the intersection of State Highway 14 (Maunu Road) and Hospital Road, extending the cycle lanes and providing a painted median along the state highway.

The upgrade is part of a series of improvements to safety and efficiency on state highways through Whangarei. It builds on the recent upgrade to the intersection of State Highway 1 and State Highway 14. The creation of State Highway 15 on the inland freight route is also creating a freight bypass around Whangarei will also remove trucks from the city centre and away from the hospital entrance.

“As traffic volumes have grown it’s become increasingly difficult for people to turn out of Hospital Road and either left or right on the state highway,” says Northland Regional Director Ernst Zollner.

“As a very busy base hospital for the area these improvements will make it as safe and easy as possible for everyone travelling into and out of the hospital, including staff, visitors and patients.”

Northland DHB Chief Executive, Dr Nick Chamberlain says he’s thrilled to see the commencement of the project.

“The DHB had worked closely with the NZ Transport Agency to design and progress this vital improvement at the intersection of Hospital Road and State Highway 14.”

“We have been very concerned for the safety of our staff, patients and their whānau and visitors queuing at the intersection. We encourage everyone to be as patient and considerate as possible over the next few months until the project is complete.”

The improvements will also make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists by extending the existing cycle lanes a further 700 metres along the state highway to just past the Hospital Road. This will improve cycle connections between Maunu and the city.

Mayor Sheryl Mai said the numbers of all road users have increased in this area, pedestrians, drivers, motorbikes, visitors to the hospital, general traffic, and reflected the growth in the District.

“With growth comes growing pains, often in the form of road works. The period of disruption will be a bit frustrating but as we have all seen at the intersection of State Highway 1 and 14, it will be well worth it in the end.  It is also great to see how we can all work together, the DHB, NZTA, and WDC, to generate good results for our District.”

A median will also be painted along the state highway from Hospital Road to Silverstream Road to make it safer for people coming into and out of their driveways.

The Transport Agency will start work next week with the upgrade expected to be finished in March next year.

For daily updated closure information click here.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Silverdale southbound on ramp, 6 - 7 November
• Southbound lanes between Silverdale off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp, 6 - 7 November
• Upper Harbour Highway northbound on ramp, 8 November 
• Northbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off ramp and Greville Road on ramp, 8 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Shelly Beach Road southbound off ramp, 9 - 10 November

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (SH1 & SH16)

• (SH1) Wellington Street northbound on ramp, 9 November
• (SH1) Northbound lanes between Nelson Street off ramp and Fanshawe Street on ramp, 9 November (approx 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• (SH16) Hobson Street westbound on ramp, 6 – 8 November
• (SH1) northbound to (SH16) westbound link, 6 - 8 November
• (SH1) southbound to (SH16) westbound link, 6 - 8 November
• (SH16 Port) westbound to (SH1) northbound link, 6 - 9 November
• (SH16 Port) westbound to (SH16) westbound link, 6 - 9 November
• (SH16) Wellesley Street westbound on ramp, 6 - 9 November

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Tecoma Street southbound off ramp, 6 - 10 November
• Tecoma Street southbound on ramp, 6 - 10 November
• SEART southbound off ramp, 6 - 10 November
• Redoubt Road southbound on ramp, 6 - 8 November
• Southbound lanes between Redoubt Road off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 6 - 8 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Takanini northbound on ramp, 6 November
• Takanini southbound on ramp, 9 - 10 November
• Northbound lanes between Takanini off ramp and Hill Road on ramp, 6 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Southbound lanes between Takanini off ramp and Papakura on ramp, 9 - 10 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Northbound lanes between Papakura off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 7 - 9 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Papakura northbound on ramp, 7 - 9 November
• Northbound lanes between SH22/Drury off ramp and Papakura on ramp, 10 November
• SH22/Drury northbound on ramp, 10 November
• Nikau Road southbound off ramp, 8 November
• Ridge Road northbound off ramp, 9 November

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

• Royal Road eastbound on ramp, 6 November
• Lincoln Road westbound off ramp, 9 November
• Te Atatu Road westbound on ramp, 8 November
• Westbound lanes between Te Atatu Road off ramp and Lincoln Road on ramp, 8 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.) 
• Patiki Road eastbound off ramp, 9 - 10 November
• Eastbound lanes between Patiki Road off ramp and Great North Road on ramp, 6 - 7 November
• Rosebank Road eastbound on ramp, 6 - 7 November
• Great North Road eastbound on ramp, 8 November
• Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off ramp and Western Springs on ramp, 8 November
• Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off ramp and Great North Road on ramp, 9 - 10 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Great North Road westbound off ramp, 9 - 10 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Great North Road westbound on ramp, 6 & 9 - 10 November
• Westbound lanes between St Lukes Road off ramp and Patiki Road on ramp, 9 - 10 November (approx 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• St Lukes Road westbound on ramp, 6 - 10 November
• Newton Road westbound on ramp, 6 - 8 November
• SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 9 November
• Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off ramp and Patiki Road on ramp, 6 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Westbound lanes between Stanley Street off ramp and Great North Road on ramp, 7 - 8 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

• Lambie Drive southbound on ramp, 6 - 8 November
• Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive off ramp and SH1, 6 - 8 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Neilson Street northbound on ramp, 6 - 7 November
• Neilson Street southbound on ramp, 6 - 7 November
• Northbound lanes between Neilson Street off ramp and Hillsborough Road on ramp, 6 - 7 November
• Queenstown Road southbound on ramp, 8 - 9 November
• Southbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off ramp and Neilson Street on ramp, 8 - 9 November
• Hillsborough Road southbound on ramp 8 - 9 November
• Dominion Road northbound on ramp, 8 - 10 November
• Northbound lanes between Dominion Road off ramp and Maioro Street on ramp, 8 - 10 November (approx 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
• Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off ramp and Dominion Road on ramp, 7 - 10 November

Please follow the signposted detours. The Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Updates on state highway conditions and hazards and get free email alerts on a specific route by signing up to www.onthemove.govt.nz

Auckland roads and public transport

Multi-choice test to check your road rule knowledge

The learner licence theory test is a computer-based, 35-question, multi-choice test that assesses your knowledge of road rules and safe driving practices.

It contains general road code questions, and specialist questions related to the class you are applying for. 

Everything you need to pass the test is in the Official New Zealand road code. You can buy the road code at most bookstores and driver licensing agents, or it’s available online.

Read the Official New Zealand road code for car drivers
Read the Official New Zealand road code for motorcyclists
Read the Official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers

Once you have passed your theory test, the agent will give you a temporary learner licence so you can start practising your driving. Your photo driver licence will be posted to you.

You need to get at least 32 questions right

If you are sitting a theory test for a car or motorcycle licence, you need to get at least 32 questions right to pass.

If you are sitting a theory test for a heavy vehicle licence, you need to get at least 33 questions right to pass.

Test your own knowledge

You can practise theory tests online before you sit your theory test at a driver licensing agent.

Practise the theory test online at roadcodepractice.co.nz

Supervisor condition

Once you have passed the theory test, you may have a supervisor condition on your licence. If you have a learner car licence, then one of the conditions you must follow is that you must have a supervisor with you when you drive.

Find out who can act as a supervisor
See the full conditions you must follow on a car learner licence

Changing or cancelling your test

If you want to change or cancel your test time, you will have to pay another fee. How much that fee is depends on how far in advance you are changing the test.

Find out how much you will need to pay to change your test

Languages available

Besides English, the theory test is also available in the following languages:

• Arabic
• Chinese (simplified and traditional)
• Gujarati
• Hindi
• Korean
• Māori
• Punjabi
• Samoan
• Thai
• Tongan.

For more information about these options, talk to your driver licensing agent when you book your test.

Find a driver licensing agent in your area

Speech or language difficulties

If you are having difficulty preparing for your theory test because of a reading or language difficulty, there are several organisations that may be able to help:

• Literacy Aotearoa
• English Language Partners (formerly ESOL Home Tutors)
• Citizens Advice Bureau .

People with reading difficulties can also apply for extra time to complete the theory test, or for the theory test to be given orally.

From 1 August 2016, the NZ Transport Agency is strengthening the requirements when converting an overseas driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence.

If you want to convert your overseas driver licence, you will need to go to one of our new specialist overseas conversion sites .

North of Levin

We have developed a package of proposed improvements for the existing State Highway 1 between Levin and the Whirokino Trestle to address this part of the Otaki to north of Levin project.

These improvements aim to provide a safe and efficient modern state highway that can accommodate the volumes of traffic that we expect over the short to medium term.  The key components of this programme are:

• Straightening the Waitarere Beach Road Curves (including access to side roads like Waitarere Beach Road, Paeroa Road and Clay Road and slip road to local properties adjacent to the highway)
• Improving the access to, and signage of, Poroutawhao School
• Creating two new passing lanes (northbound - heading towards Foxton).  One is located to the north of Levin. The other is north of Waitarere Beach Road
• Some minor safety improvements at Lindsay Road intersection with State Highway 1 (immediately north of Levin)
• Widening and installing barriers at the side of the road across the whole North of Levin corridor

Overview of North of Levin

View a larger diagram

These improvements are expected to reduce the number and severity of crashes, predicting that 31 lives will be saved over a 10-year period.  The improvements will also provide more opportunities to pass slower ‘farming’ vehicles.

We have started the process to get consent for the proposed improvements at Waitarere Beach Road Curves and at Poroutawhao School with Horowhenua District Council.  Construction of these improvements will occur before the proposed northbound passing lane north of Levin (situated south of Waitarere) for safety reasons.  

We have started work to investigate the design of the passing lanes and expect to provide more information on this later in 2016.   The remaining projects listed above will be investigated after the passing lane work has been completed. We will continue to discuss these improvements with local iwi and communities in the area.

Waitarere Beach Road Curves

We previously asked people for their feedback on proposals to improve the Waitarere Beach Road Curves area of the Otaki to North of Levin project. This area has a history of serious and fatal crashes, particularly head-on crashes, which needs to be resolved to meet our objective of improving safety as well as efficiency north of Levin.

Our proposals to address the safety concerns include straightening the three curves in the road, providing parallel access for local traffic, (particularly to adjoining properties which currently have direct access to the highway), edge barriers and installing a wire rope median barrier to eliminate the risk of future head-on crashes.

Following consultation and discussions with landowners and the local Waitarere community, we have lodged consent applications with the Horowhenua District Council earlier this year.  Following public hearings on the applications in June, a decision was reached and we haveCouncil.  This consent application has now been publicly notified the Council that we are confirming the Waitarere Beach Road Curves project.and may be reviewed here .

Waitarere Curves Safety Improvements - Access arrangements

View a larger diagram

We would like to thank the community for its extensive input into the development of the design for the Waitarere Curves so far.  This has informed the final proposal we are seeking consent for.

This has resulted in the proposal being modified to address community access concerns, the needs of heavy vehicle users travelling to/from rural properties, the needs of the local school and marae in the area and which fits with the package of improvements for the North of Levin area.

More information on the refined proposal is available in our application information.  

Vol I  Assessment of Environmental Effects

• Assessment of environmental effects

Vol II  Technical Reports

• Appendix A Standard Terms and Glossary
• Appendix B Transport Report
• Appendix C Stormwater Design Report
• Appendix D Erosion and Sediment Control
• Appendix E Archaeological & Heritage Assessment
• Appendix F Preliminary Geotechnical Assessment
• A ppendix G Ecological Assessment Report
• Appendix H Landscape and Visual Assessment
• Appendix I Acoustic Assessment Report 
• Appendix J Alternatives Assessment Report
• Appendix K  Assessment of economic effects
• Appendix L Previous Reports List 
• Appendix M Cultural Impact Assessment

Vol III  Plan Sets

• Plan Set A - Index
• Plan Set B - Designation Plan
• Plan Set C - Land requirement Plans
• Plan Set D - Layout Plans 
• Plan Set E - General Arrangement Plans 
• Plan Set F - Poroutawhao School Works Plan
• Plan Set G - Sediment Control Plans
• Plan Set H - Drainage Layout Plan 
• Plan Set I - Landscape Context Plan
• Plan Set J - Typical Cross Section
• Plan Set K - Cross Sections

Other reports (2015)

• Otaki to north of Levin RONS: North of Levin Improvements [PDF, 11 MB]
• Business Case for Implementation: SH1 Waitarere Beach Road Curves [PDF, 7.9 MB]

Traffic notice for the week 4-10week 28 October - 3 November 2016

Traffic notices provide a brief overview of likely traffic disruptions for the following week. Full closures are also advertised in the Weekend Herald. Traffic notices are complemented by monthly construction updates and quarterly newsletters.

ALREADY IN PLACE

• Narrowed lanes and 80 km/h speed limit northbound between the Pahurehure Inlet and Hill Road.

• Narrowed lanes and 80 km/h speed limit southbound between Hill Road and the Pahurehure Inlet.

TRAFFIC NEXT WEEK

Northbound:

•  Sunday 6 November30 October - Night closure of the full northbound motorway between the Takanini Interchange through to Hill Road. This includes closure of the northbound Takanini on-ramp (Great South Road).

• Monday 7 November31 October - Wednesday 9Wednesday 2 November - Night closure of the fulla single lanenorthboundon the motorway between the Papakura Interchange and the Takanini Interchange. This includes closure of the northbound Papakura on-ramps.

Southbound:

• Sunday 6 November30 October - Tuesday 8 NovemberMonday 31 October - Night closure of the full southbound motorway between the Manukau Interchange through to the Takanini Interchange. This includes closure of the Redoubt Road on-ramp, Lambie Drive eastbound on-ramp, and SH20-1 Link.

• Sunday 6 NovemberMonday 31 October - Tuesday 8 NovemberWednesday 2 November- - Night closure of a single lane southbound on the motorway between the Takanini Interchange and the Pahurehure Inlet.Walter Strevens Bridge.

• Wednesday 92 November - Thursday 10Thursday 3 November - Night closure of the full southbound motorway between the TakaniniManukau Interchange andthrough to the PapakuraTakanini Interchange. This includes closure of the southbound Takanini on-ramp (Great South Road).Redoubt Road on-ramp, Lambie Drive eastbound on-ramp, and SH20-1 Link.

• Wednesday 9Monday 7 November - Thursday 10Wednesday 9 November - Night closure of a single lanethe fullsouthboundnorthboundon the motorway between Hill Roadthe Papakura Interchange and the Takanini Interchange. This includes closure of the northbound Papakura on-ramp (Beach Road).

 Southbound:

• Wednesday 169 November - Thursday 1710 November–- Night closure of the full southbound motorway between the Takanini Interchange and the Papakura Interchange. This includes closure of the southbound Takanini on-ramp (Great South Road).

Night work on the motorway next week involves pavement operations, median barrier installation, bridge beam lifts, earthworks, asphalting,line marking, light installation, and median barrier installation.general road maintenance. If it rains or ground conditions are too wet, work will be postponed until the next available dry night.

Work during the night will allow our crews to operate equipment safely while adjacent to the existing traffic lanes. Work in the shoulder and median work zones will continue during the daytime next week, but this will not affect traffic movements.

Night closures are typically from 9pm at night to 5am in the morning, unless otherwise stated. Detours will be in place to take motorists along local roads, leading back to the next motorway interchange. All detours will be clearly signposted, and maps of the typical routes can be found below.  Please allow extra time for your journey at night.

With the lanes narrowed, there is less time to react to other vehicles and it is important that motorists keep to the 80 km/h speed limit past our work areas. There will be ongoing truck and project vehicle movements accessing the shoulder and median work sites. Keeping both motorists and our team members safe as possible is imperative and we need everyone's help to do this.

As always, we will be doing our best to minimise effects of these works on motorists as much as we can.

We thank you for your patience as we work to improve journey reliability and safety along the Southern Corridor.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact our team on free phone 0508 NZTA SCI (0508 698 2724) or email us at southerncorridor@nzta.govt.nz . Also feel free to visit us at the Project Office located at 8 Great South Road, Takanini.

Detour maps

Southbound Takanini Papakura Detour Map

Southbound Manukau Takanini Detour Map

Northbound Takanini Manukau Detour Map

Northbound Papakura Takanini Detour Map

From 1 August 2016, the NZ Transport Agency is strengthening the requirements when converting an overseas driver licence to a New Zealand driver licence. 

If you want to convert your overseas driver licence, you will need to go to one of our new specialist overseas conversion sites. 

Find out more about the overseas conversion process

Ways to get in touch

Call us

 

Online

 

Connect with us

 

Common questions

Find answers to our most commonly asked questions.

View all of our frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Feedback and complaints

Give us your feedback

Have a complaint?

Call us

Our contact centres are open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm (8am - 8pm for Tolling enquiries).  We're also open Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm for Tolling enquiries only. 

Media enquiry?

For media enquiries, talk to one of our  media team .

Making an Official Information Act request 

Find out how to make a request to the Transport Agency for information that we hold .

Our offices

Palmerston North Office

Level 3, 43 Ashley Street
Palmerston North

Private Bag 11777
Palmerston North 4442
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 6 953 6396
Fax: 64 6 953 6203

National Office

Victoria Arcade
50 Victoria Street
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 4 894 5400
Fax: 64 4 894 6100

WhangāreiWhāngārei

Walton Plaza, 1st Floor
4 Albert St
Whāngārei

Private Bag 106602
Auckland 1143
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 9 430 4355
Fax: 64 9 459 6944

Please note: state highways services only from this office

Auckland

Level 11, HSBC House
1 Queen Street

Private Bag 106602
Auckland 1143
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 9 969 9800
Fax: 64 9 969 9813

Hamilton

Level 1, Deloitte Building
24 Anzac Parade

PO Box 973, Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton 3240
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 7 958 7220
Fax: 64 7 957 1437

Tauranga

3rd Floor
Harrington House
32 Harington Street
Tauranga 3110

PO Box 13-055
Tauranga Central
Tauranga 3141

Telephone: 07 927 6009
Fax: 07 578 2909

Napier

Level 2, Dunvegan House 
215 Hastings Street

PO Box 740
Napier 4140
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 6 974 5520
Fax: 64 6 974 5529

Wellington

The Majestic Centre (Level 5)
100 Willis Street

PO Box 5084, Lambton Quay
Wellington 6145
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 4 894 5200 
Fax: 64 4 894 3305

Blenheim

Marlborough Roads
Level 1, The Forum
Unit 2.4, Market Street

PO Box 1031
Blenheim 7240
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 3 520 8330
Fax: 64 3 577 5309 
Note: we do not provide licensing at this office

Christchurch

Level 1, BNZ Centre
120 Hereford Street
Christchurch 8011

PO Box 1479
Russley 8140
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 3 964 2800
Fax: 64 3 353 9499

Dunedin

Level 2, AA Centre
450 Moray Place

PO Box 5245, Moray Place
Dunedin 9058
New Zealand

Telephone: 64 3 951 3009
Fax: 64 3 951 3013

Work on the new $25.8 million bridge on State Highway 6 between Greymouth and Kumara Junction has been brought forward as part of the Government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package.

“The new two-lane bridge will replace the existing single-lane road/rail bridge, providing a safer and more efficient transport link for West Coast locals and for tourists,” says Jim Harland, Southern Regional Director for the Transport Agency.

The new bridge will also incorporate a separate off-road, shared facility for pedestrians and cyclists.

Rail traffic will continue to use the existing bridge, and the realigned road will pass over the existing rail line on an overpass south of the river.

Construction of the new two-lane bridge will get underway next month and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.

More information on the project is available on the NZ Transport Agency’s Taramakau Bridge Project page and Taramakau Road/Rail Bridge factsheet.

Newsletter September

Newsletter July/August

Newsletter June

Newsletter - May

Newsletter - April

Never before in history has innovation offered promise of so much to so many in so short a time. -Bill Gates

We want to celebrate the achievement of innovation and encourage more of it. By  sharing innovations, we can inspire others to grow more ideas and innovations (and to stop reinventing the wheel!). This is a site where you can:

• Upload and share your innovations ¹
• Filter, view and comment on other innovations
• Subscribe for updates on new innovations
• Copy innovations shamelessly

What is an innovation? It is something that you've done better and differently. It can be simple and small, or it can be significant and complex. Ultimately, it is an improvement, and has delivered better value.

Most great innovations in modern history don’t just happen overnight. They iterate and evolve; sometimes slowly, or in leaps and bounds.  Share with us your passion for doing things better.

Tips on how to Grow Ideas

Have you ever been in a group conversation, and someone first raises a silly idea, but others start suggesting other alternatives, and suddenly that silly idea grows into a fantastic idea?

That's the concept of Growing Ideas, and you are encouraged to comment on the various innovations that are on this site, and suggest other ideas. 

Here are some other tips on how to  Grow Ideas  within your team or business:

• Stop idea killers! An idea can die very quickly before it reaches its full potential, so instead of killing it, say, 'let's keeping growing that idea'...

• Creative space. People need creative spaces to grow their ideas. Workshops, lunch rooms, water cooler conversations, coffee catch-ups, etc, are where some inspirational ideas can be drawn from. There are products in the market place that are ‘sticker whiteboards (dry erase)’ that can be stuck to any surface, to allow people to draw mind maps or to conceptualise their ideas.

• Collaborate.  This is the next gear up to grow ideas. Understanding and collaborating with your client, suppliers, stakeholders, customers, etc., will greatly increase the chance of the idea becoming successful. 

• Support the Growing of Ideas . Every organisation is different, and it is important to have a a structured process that:
  • Recognises that an idea is worthwhile pursuing (simple definition, business case)
  • Assigns ownership and provides seed funding
  • Regularly tracks and monitors the development and implementation of the idea

• Recognise the innovation.  Celebrate the success! Recognition and minor incentives go a long way to motivate the individual or group to grow even more ideas.

• Park the idea.  Sometimes, the timing is just not right. Maybe technology hasn’t caught up yet, it is not a strategic priority, or someone just hasn’t had the breakthrough idea yet. Park it, simmer over it overnight or a few months, and you might have that eureka moment later!

 

¹ The Transport Agency is grateful to receive submissions, but reserves the right to decline or edit submissions for suitability.

Regular vehicle maintenance is sound business practice that ensures vehicles use fuel efficiently and prevents avoidable and costly breakdowns.

While routine maintenance is straightforward, this section outlines current issues that are beyond routine maintenance requirements that all those with an interest in the safe operation of heavy vehicles need to be aware of.

Safety alert: Transport Agency urging checks of truck drawbeams

The Transport Agency is investigating a catastrophic failure of a truck drawbeam that resulted in a laden heavy trailer separating on 18 October 2016.

Urgent work is underway to identify any other affected trucks so that they can be checked, with one already withdrawn from the same fleet where the drawbeam showed signs of fatigue cracks.

In the meantime, this safety alert is asking truck operators, service personnel and vehicle inspectors to check for signs of cracks in drawbeams.

Information sheet

Read our safety alert information sheet about the Transport Agency urging checks of truck drawbeams.

Safety alert: Bolt-in tow-eye security

This safety alert has been issued by the NZ Transport Agency following recent incidents where heavy trailers have separated from the towing vehicle, specifically where the drawbar was fitted with a bolt-in tow-eye which pulled out.

What you should do:

• Check the security of the towing eye as part of the daily walk around.
• If there is any sign of it being loose (eg fretting, shiny, rusting etc) the tow-eye and nut must be replaced – under no circumstances is it to be tightened.
• When the tow-eye and nut is replaced, the nut must be torqued to the manufacturer’s recommendation (including a greased thread) and then if necessary taken to the next castellation – in no circumstances backed off.
• Following initial installation the nut should be re-torqued at the lesser of 5000km or as directed by the manufacturer. If it moves it must be re-torqued. Note: this is the only time that re-tightening is permitted.
• One manufacturer recommends checking the tightening torque of the castellated nut every 15,000km. The Transport Agency encourages all operators to follow this recommendation. If the nut is found to be loose the complete towing eye and nut must be replaced.

Information sheet

Read our safety alert information sheet about bolt-in tow-eye security

Skid plate corrosion

King pins and skid plates need appropriate inspection and maintenance. This is especially important where moisture and debris can accumulate above the upper surface of the skid plate and the design makes it difficult or even impossible for inspection to be carried out.

In these circumstances the potential for corrosion and eventual structural failure and resultant detachment from the towing vehicle is a significant risk. Operators, drivers and mechanics, as well as trailer designers, certifiers and vehicle inspectors, all need to take appropriate action to ensure trailer detachment does not occur.

Information sheet

Read our information sheet about skid plate corrosion

Form

Download the Operator statement of compliance with the maintenance requirements of NZS 5451: 1989 form

This form is used by a heavy vehicle operator to confirm a vehicle’s skid plate structural condition is within safe tolerances.

Driveshafts

Heavy vehicle driveshafts and their components, especially the universal joints, need appropriate maintenance, otherwise their life will be shortened dramatically, and they may fail prematurely. Operators, drivers and mechanics, as well as engineers, certifiers and vehicle inspectors, all need to take appropriate action to avoid these potentially dangerous failures.

Drivers

Drivers should:

• engage and disengage the clutch smoothly and gradually, especially when starting or changing gear under heavy load, eg when driving uphill

• avoid abrupt use of the clutch, as this places higher loads on the driveline, which may cause damage to the driveshaft, or in extreme cases, may lead to immediate driveshaft failure

• be alert to any unusual vibration (eg on the gearshifting lever) that may indicate a problem with the driveshaft. Other signs include knocking sounds when starting the vehicle, and/or during gear changes. If vibration or knocking increases, the driveshaft may be about to fail – you must immediately slow down, stop the vehicle, and check the driveshaft.

If driveshaft failure occurs at high vehicle speed, the risk of harming other road users increases significantly.

Transport operators

Operators should ensure:

• that driveshafts are maintained and checked regularly

• that this maintenance work is carried out according to the manufacturer's written instructions. Industry experience has indicated that, in some cases, you need to lubricate and check driveshafts more frequently than specified by the manufacturer.

Maintenance workshops and mechanics

Maintenance workshops and mechanics should:

• check and maintain the driveshaft according to the manufacturer's instructions. The instructions are likely to include the following directions:
• •  'purge-lubricate' with specified lubricant: greasing must be continued until the fresh lubricant is discharged from all outlets of the lubricated component
  • ensure that the pressure is not too high as excessive pressure can damage or blow out the seals of universal joints, which in turn will lead to reduced component life
• check the condition (damage, wear, deterioration, excessive play) of all components
• check that all bolts and nuts are present and properly tightened
• check that the bearing cups of the universal joints are correctly positioned, secure, and not able to rotate.

By repairers

Workshops and mechanics that repair driveshafts or carry out repairs where the driveshaft is partially or fully removed from the vehicle must follow the manufacturer's repair instructions. Instructions are likely to include the following directions:

• Thoroughly clean components that are allowed to be re-used. Inspect (replacing if necessary) and lubricate these before re-assembly. Components that are required to be replaced once disassembled must be replaced even if they appear to be in good condition. These components may include bolts, nuts, locking tabs, the straps of universal joints, etc.

• Phase the universal joints as prescribed by the manufacturer.

• Properly tighten all bolts and nuts.

• Use locking devices as specified by the manufacturer.

Certifiers

Heavy vehicle specialist certifiers should ensure that the requirements, which are in force in respect of driveshaft modifications, are complied with. 

Read more about modifying a heavy vehicle.

By vehicle inspectors

Certificate of fitness (CoF) inspections include detailed inspection requirements for driveshafts. CoF inspectors should check the condition of driveshafts and their components according to the updated requirements.

After an early afternoon closure on Sunday, the highway was back open before 8 pm with a temporary solution in place.

The damage done on Sunday:

After the weekend fix to enable the highway to open to one lane:

“The washout occurred after about 45mm of rain fell over one hour in this area on Sunday near Lake Paringa and more than 100mm of rain fell over two hours,” says the Transport Agency’s Regional Performance Manager Pete Connors.

“The creek rose quickly and scoured out existing upstream rock protection as well as a weir downstream of the bridge. Whilst the contracting team got the highway reopened to one lane by bridging the gap, a more permanent solution is now being put in place.

“While we are making permanent repairs, drivers can expect short delays for the next two to three weeks around this site.”

Pete Connors says the reinstatement is expected to cost in the vicinity of $150,000.

People who regularly travel between North Canterbury and Christchurch during peak periods are being asked to take part in an annual research survey and share their experiences.

Participants will go into the draw to win one of 10 restaurant vouchers worth $100 each.

The Transport Agency’s Southern Regional Director, Jim Harland says the information gathered will provide further insight into people’s journey experiences on the northern corridor and help identify issues and possible solutions on the network.

Last year almost 400 people who travel on the route were surveyed. Results showed that 90 per cent drove, however around 80 per cent indicated that they would be open to carpooling or already carpool.

“Carpooling or taking public transport, even a few days a week would make a big difference to congestion heading towards Christchurch,” Jim Harland says.

“As the population of Waimakariri continues to grow we want to find out if people’s experiences and expectations have changed so we can tailor what we are doing to best suit their needs and address identified problems.”

The online research survey goes live on Friday 18 November. People keen to take part can register online at waimakariri.govt.nz

Waimakariri District Council Mayor, David Ayers says: “We want as many people as possible to participate in the survey to share their views on their journey into Christchurch. Council will continue to work closely with the NZ Transport Agency on solutions to improve journey times.”

Those registered will be sent a link to questions once a week for a month, with each completed survey earning an entry into the competition.

The survey, carried out by Christchurch market research company, Research First, has been split into four sections to make it easier for respondents to participate with four short five minute surveys rather than one large survey.

The research survey is part of a collection of measures designed to address congestion between Waimakariri and Christchurch. Others include the promotion of car-pooling, park-and-ride schemes, changes to bus service routes and frequency, the introduction of variable speed limits before the city end of the motorway and, longer term, the construction of the Western Belfast Bypass and the Christchurch Northern Corridor.

The results of the 2015 survey can be found here.

The Operator Rating System (ORS) is a system that aims to improve the safety of heavy vehicles on our roads, making journeys safer for all.

It is one of the tools that the NZ Transport Agency and New Zealand Police use to identify potentially higher-risk operators for further investigation and assistance to improve their safety practices, and auditing and targeting purposes.

The ORS provides an environment for willing compliance, encouraging transport operators to make their vehicles and driving practices as safe as possible, and to comply with their regulatory obligations that contribute to safety.

Read more about the benefits of the ORS

Who is rated by the ORS

You are rated on your compliance with safety-based legislation if you have at least one certificate of fitness (CoF) in a 24-month rating period and are a:

• goods service and/or a vehicle recovery service operator with a vehicle over 6000kgs

  goods service licence holder with a vehicle of 6000kg or over

• vehicle recovery service operator

• passenger service licence holder with a motor vehicle with more than 12 seats or a heavy motor vehicle with more than nine seats.

  passenger service licence holder with a motor vehicle with more than 12 seats or a heavy motor vehicle with more than nine seats.

Approved taxi organisations may be included in the rating system at a later stage.

Rental service licence holders will not be rated as in most cases the vehicles in question will be operated by the person or company renting the vehicle and not the rental company itself. Similarly, drivers of rented vehicles are generally not employed by or influenced by the rental company.

What are ORS ratings?

Similar to a restaurant or hotel rating, the ORS scores range from between one and five stars, based on how you have been assessed in safety-related events over a given 24-month time frame.

Read more about how the ORS is calculated

What is scored?

The ratings are based on your compliance with the following safety-related events:

• CoF inspections

• roadside inspections

• relevant traffic offences and infringements.

The scores are applied based on the types of faults found at CoF and roadside inspections, the types of offences committed, and the impact of those faults and offences on road safety – more dangerous faults and offences will lead to a poor rating.

The ORS takes into account the size of the fleet and the number, nature and age of the events. Crashes involving your vehicles will also be recorded as events in your ORS history, but will not be part of the safety rating calculation.

However, any offences associated with the crash and attributed to your operation, will form part of the safety rating calculation once fault is confirmed. You will also be informed of the number of crashes that have been recorded in your ORS history when you are notified of your proposed safety rating.

Read more about how the ORS is calculated

More resources for transport operators and drivers

Download the Operator Information Pack , which contains helpful information to assist transport operators achieve a good ORS rating.

Read the Commercial Road Transport Toolkit for other useful resources and links for drivers and transport operators.

Overview of the Speed Management Engagement Handbook

This resource supports Road Controlling Authorities to successfully implement speed management initiatives, by providing tips for engaging with stakeholders, community and the media.

Engagement is about having constructive and valuable conversations with communities on road safety and speed management. Good engagement creates a respectful and productive environment within which to undertake legal consultation. 

• Engaging with your community
• Engaging with your stakeholders
• Engaging with the media

“Transport Agency crews are working hard to get the highway reopened by midday and we will update if that time has to be extended,” says Pete Connors, Regional Performance Manager for the Transport Agency.

Around 37mm of rain fell in one hour and about 50mm in two hours in South Westland early today as a weather bomb moves up the West Coast.

Drivers should normally check the Transport Agency’s traffic and travel map or the social media sites (below) for updates, however we are experiencing technical trouble this morning so web traffic closure details may not be reliable. Apologies for this.

To get updates from the West Coast Regional Council’s Civil Defence team/ Chris Raine CD Regional Manager/ Group Controller email: chrisr@wcrc.govt.nz

• NZ Transport Agency's travel and traffic page here.
• Otago Southland Transport Agency Twitter updates and Canterbury West Coast Twitter updates
• Transport Agency Facebook South Island
• Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS 0800 44 44 49

Our recent responses to Official Information Act (OIA) requests from media organisations.