Log Book And Driving Hour Rule Changes Illogical

Log Book And Driving Hour Rule Changes Illogical

Rural Contractors’ Federation believe the new Rules relating to Driving Hours and Log Books come into force in September will have a serious adverse effect on the country’s primary production.

Executive Director Roger Parton said the nature of rural contracting is such that operators are to a large extent at the mercy of the weather and daylight hours. Much of the work particularly harvesting has to be conducted in a short time frame, and the impendiong changes will make the successful operation of this industry impossible.

“The Minister has said in the House that the effect of the changes are not what was intended and that he will move quickly to reinstate the exemptions from log book and driving hour restrictions for agricultural vehicles,” said Mr Parton.

“Otherwise, from 1 October, rural contractors will be criminalised because the very nature of their work will mean that they break the laws”

Mr Parton said that the Rural Contractors Federation was not consulted on the rule changes and that subsequent submissions had been ignored.

“We have a good working relationship with Land Transport New Zealand and it appears that this slipped through the cracks, when rules which try to be a one size fits all, are imposed on an industry which is wide and diverse” he said.

Rural Contractors Federation point out that there are staff shortages in the agricultural industry and that having sufficient skilled labour is simply not available. Combined with the restrictions imposed by bad weather and the short periods of time when harvesting can be carried out, having to tell the farmer that the contractor has to stop at 6 pm because he has done his hours for the day is simply not an option

“I cannot stress enough the adverse impact this will have on the rural contracting industry where the imposition of the rules will criminalise the rural contractors who are working hard to support New Zealand’s primary production that is so vital to this country’s economy” said Mr Parton.

“The Minister has assured Parliament that he will urgently fix this situation and we look forward to that time so rural contractors can get on with their business of supporting the agricultural sector for the benefit of the country.”

ENDS

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