Important information - NZ Transport Agency is changing the way it approaches non-compliance by toughening up its enforcement regime.

On October 15 the NZ Transport Agency announced that an extensive review of compliance files is underway and that it is toughening up its enforcement regime. An increase in the number of suspensions and other legal action is expected to follow as a result of review findings.

The Transport Agency has operated a high trust, devolved regulatory regime, working with a network of qualified professionals to carry out services and focusing on ongoing education to address and remedy issues uncovered.

The Transport Agency now knows that its approach has been neither sufficiently robust nor swift enough to ensure the highest levels of regulatory compliance.

This is why it has instigated a risk-based approach to addressing any non-compliance where public safety could be at risk, giving priority to the most urgent cases. Independent lawyers Meredith Connell will be leading the response and stricter enforcement and monitoring processes.

You can expect to see an increased number of enforcement actions taken to ensure compliance.

The Transport Agency is in the process of hiring 17 additional compliance inspectors to cover heavy vehicle certifiers and Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness (CoF) certifications. Further, the recruitment of commercial transport officers and certification officers to significantly strengthen the Transport Agency’s enforcement capability long-term is now underway.

The Transport Agency will continue to work with the industry to provide guidance and education on the standards that are expected.However, where issues are found, certifiers and licence holders will be required to quickly address these or face action.

Further information: www.nzta.govt.nz/regulatory-review