Media statement | 4 May 2006

Changes proposed to licensing rules for transport operators

Land Transport New Zealand is calling for submissions on proposed changes to the licensing rules for transport operators.

The draft Operator Licensing Rule will affect applicants and holders of transport service licences (passenger, goods, vehicle recovery and rental services), as well as drivers of transport service vehicles, dial-a-driver service drivers, Approved Taxi Organisations (ATOs) and hirers of rental service vehicles.

The Rule consolidates and clarifies existing requirements for the licensing of transport service operators, drivers and ATOs, and proposes the introduction of several new requirements. The rule also proposes to make some existing requirements less prescriptive.

Proposed changes include:

• Requiring taxi drivers in key metropolitan areas (Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin) to hold Area Knowledge Certificates for the entire metropolitan area in which they operate;
• Giving the Director of Land Transport the power to require drivers to undergo an English language test or complete an approved course if they are unable to communicate adequately in English, even if they have passed an Area Knowledge test;
• Strengthening the accountability of Approved Taxi Organisations, including requirements to record their drivers’ ‘log on’ and ‘log off’ times and to report any serious complaint lodged against a driver to Land Transport NZ with 48 hours;
• Requiring Transport Service Licence (TSL) holders to re-sit and pass the Certificate of Knowledge of Law and Practice following a licence revocation or when there is evidence of lack of knowledge;
• Requiring TSL holders (excluding rental services) to display identifying numbers on their vehicles;
• Giving rental service vehicle operators the option of passing on traffic fines to overseas customers by charging traffic infringement fees to their customers’ credit cards.

The draft Rule also proposes to expand the range of passenger services which are exempt from licensing requirements including services offered by charities, local authorities, district health boards and licensed premises. It is also proposed to allow exempt services to use larger vehciles, allow drivers and vehicles to be provided by the organisation running the service, and to allow some organisations (such as registered charities) to receive external third-party funding for transport services.

Submissions on the draft rule close on 14 June 2006. For more information go to www.landtransport.govt.nz/consultation/operator-licensing/

For more information:

Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport NZ
Ph: 04 931 8829 or 021 276 3222