Latest news with #LandTransport
1News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
The road rule Kiwis can't seem to follow – and why it matters
If you've driven anywhere in New Zealand with more than one lane, chances are you've come across the notorious right-lane hog. The driver who sticks in the right lane, going just below the speed limit, unaware or indifferent to the queues of frustrated motorists forming behind them. It's annoying, it's common — and while technically illegal, it's become one of the most flouted road rules in the country. Under New Zealand law, drivers must keep left unless they're overtaking. It's written into the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 and failing to do so could set you back $150 fine and 20 demerit points, according to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). "There are no plans currently to review this infringement penalty," an NZTA spokesperson said. NZTA regularly pushes "keep left" messages on its Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, racking up more than 9 million views in the past two years, but it seems many motorists continue to miss the memo. Police do issue infringements for failing to keep left, but it's not a high-priority offence, says Inspector Peter McKennie, acting director of road policing. "Police do take enforcement action for failing to keep left in some circumstances, but not to the same extent as high-risk behaviours, such as speed, impairment by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, being distracted while driving and not using seat belts or child restraints," he told 1News. There were practical considerations, McKennie said, such as drivers preparing for exits or intersections and giving room for cyclists or road workers. But even if you're going the speed limit and feel justified in staying put, drivers "need to consider keeping the way clear for emergency service vehicles". Hogging the right lane can have indirect safety impacts such as risky under-taking manoeuvres or frustrated drivers taking chances they shouldn't. "Police encourage courteous driving behaviours," he said. "Be patient and wait until the situation changes and it is safe to pass. Recognise that going a few kilometres per hour slower for a relatively short distance won't make a meaningful difference to your journey time." The AA wants to see a shift in mindset around the keep left rule, especially as New Zealand builds more multi-lane highways. AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said the right lane should be treated as a passing lane. "Sticking to the left lane means people can easily pass slower travelling vehicles in the right, promoting efficient traffic flow," he said. "After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane as soon as it is safe." He said passing on the right was a "more efficient manoeuvre", while passing on the left was "significantly more dangerous". "It involves driving through a larger blind spot for the vehicle you are passing on the right, which is also likely to move directly into your lane at some point." Travelling in the right lane unnecessarily showed a "lack of awareness" for other road users wanting to pass, Thomsen said. "It's important that new drivers are taught to see correct lane use not only as a legal requirement, but as part of cooperative and considerate driving behaviour." Thomsen said AA Member surveys have consistently found that slower vehicles holding up traffic is one of the top frustrations for drivers alongside red light running and texting behind the wheel. "With more multi-lane highways starting to be built in New Zealand, it is certainly an area that could have more of a focus for educating and reminding drivers to share the road well." So next time you're cruising in the right lane, ask yourself: Are you overtaking — or just in the way?
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: Land transport sector sees over 2,800 transactions in Q1
Doha, Qatar: Qatar witnessed over 2,800 transactions through its Land Transport Sector in first quarter (Q1) of this year demonstrating that the sector has become a key enabler of the country's economy. A recent post on the social media handle of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) revealed that 2,835 transactions were conducted through its Land Transport Sector in the first quarter (January-March) of shows a rise of 1.5 percent when compared to the first quarter of last year which witnessed 2,794 land transport transactions. The data revealed that in the first quarter of this year, out of the total 2,835 transactions; 931 dealt with land transport planning, 867 were related to land transport licensing, 533 transactions to transport affairs, and 504 concerning road affairs. The main services of the land transport sector include railway safety, bust stop relocation, bus service, road defects detection, safety on roads, directional signs, building permit requests, traffic impact studies, approval of land transport network planning cases. The services also include issuing preliminary approvals for limousine business activities, land transport activities, and car rental business activities. Meanwhile the Qatar witnessed 12,580 transactions through its Land Transport Sector in last year. Qatar has continued its efforts to develop a state-of-the-art transport network in line with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Recently, the Ministry of Transport started developing the Qatar Public Transport Master Plan (QPTMP) aimed at creating a more efficient and competitive public transportation system and striking a balance between Qatar's rapid urban growth and its commitment to sustainability, leading ultimately to a more efficient and future-ready public transit system. The QPTMP aims at improving accessibility and coverage, raising service reliability, and exploring innovative mobility solutions that keep pace with latest advancements. Bypassing conventional frameworks, the QPTMP will strategically guide the evolution of the transit system to address challenges associated with escalating vehicular dependency, congestion, and environmental impact. It will study the status quo of traffic congestion of both private vehicles and public transportation and carbon emissions and their impact on Qatar's climate quality with a view to suggesting suitable solutions. The land transport planning of the land transport sector sets the general planning policy for land and railway transport activities. It prepares the necessary studies and design plans, as well as planning the construction and development of land and railway transport networks in coordination with the relevant authorities in the State of Qatar. It also identifies the licensing requirements and fees of land and railway transport activities. The Ministry of Transport continues its extensive efforts to develop reliable, efficient and sustainable transport planning and ensure a safe and effective nationwide network of roads and highways constructed according to international standards and best practices. The mission of the Ministry consists of building an integrated and effective transport system that uses advanced technologies serving all local sectors while linking Qatar to the wider regional and international economy. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Bus Bike Rack Use Resumes All Hours In Queenstown
Press Release – Otago Regional Council The use of bike racks during the day from 7am to 6pm resumed on Queenstowns 23 buses two weeks ago, but now that all Queenstowns 23 buses have been modified and are compliant with Land Transport rules, bike racks can be used at night as well … Bike rack use on ORC's Orbus services in Queenstown resumes day and night from today, 1 May 2025. The use of bike racks during the day from 7am to 6pm resumed on Queenstown's 23 buses two weeks ago, but now that all Queenstown's 23 buses have been modified and are compliant with Land Transport rules, bike racks can be used at night as well as during the day. ORC's Manager Transport Lorraine Cheyne thanked the public for their patience and acknowledged the frustration felt by some passengers. 'We're very pleased to be able to resume the full bike rack service in Queenstown from today and we appreciate the efforts of Ritchies, our operator in Queenstown, for making the changes that allowed the full bike rack service to begin again as quickly as possible,' she says. Background A temporary night-time restriction on the use of bike racks on Dunedin and Queenstown buses started on 2 November 2024, after NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) issued a safety notice. At the time Ms Cheyne saidthe safety notice had brought to ORC's attention that carrying bikes at night could result in the lights on the buses being obscured. By implication the vehicle was deemed to be not fully compliant for use on the roads if carrying a bike, whether during daytime or at night. Although only some bus models were affected, Ms Cheyne said ORC was required to restrict the use of bike racks on all buses at all times, while all vehicles were assessed, and those that required it were modified. Last month NZTA issued an exemption that allowed buses carrying bikes to be deemed compliant during daylight when lights were not needed. However, as of today all buses on the ORC networks, in both Dunedin & Queenstown, have be assessed and modified as required, to comply with the Land Transport rule on vehicle lighting at all times when carrying bikes. She highlighted the NZTA directive was all about public safety.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Bus Bike Rack Use Resumes All Hours In Queenstown
Bike rack use on ORC's Orbus services in Queenstown resumes day and night from today, 1 May 2025. The use of bike racks during the day from 7am to 6pm resumed on Queenstown's 23 buses two weeks ago, but now that all Queenstown's 23 buses have been modified and are compliant with Land Transport rules, bike racks can be used at night as well as during the day. ORC's Manager Transport Lorraine Cheyne thanked the public for their patience and acknowledged the frustration felt by some passengers. 'We're very pleased to be able to resume the full bike rack service in Queenstown from today and we appreciate the efforts of Ritchies, our operator in Queenstown, for making the changes that allowed the full bike rack service to begin again as quickly as possible,' she says. Background A temporary night-time restriction on the use of bike racks on Dunedin and Queenstown buses started on 2 November 2024, after NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) issued a safety notice. At the time Ms Cheyne saidthe safety notice had brought to ORC's attention that carrying bikes at night could result in the lights on the buses being obscured. By implication the vehicle was deemed to be not fully compliant for use on the roads if carrying a bike, whether during daytime or at night. Although only some bus models were affected, Ms Cheyne said ORC was required to restrict the use of bike racks on all buses at all times, while all vehicles were assessed, and those that required it were modified. Last month NZTA issued an exemption that allowed buses carrying bikes to be deemed compliant during daylight when lights were not needed. However, as of today all buses on the ORC networks, in both Dunedin & Queenstown, have be assessed and modified as required, to comply with the Land Transport rule on vehicle lighting at all times when carrying bikes. She highlighted the NZTA directive was all about public safety.
