The government’s announcement of a review of the contentious rules and regulations affecting agricultural contractors and vehicles has been widely welcomed by the industry.

Associate Transport Minister Nathan Guy says farmers and contractors need to harvest crops when they are ready, and when the weather is right.

Sometimes this could mean working long and irregular hours, and the current rules may not provide enough flexibility for what is a very important industry.

The Minister says the aim is to ensure public safety without imposing unnecessary red tape.

The Government has listened closely to industry concerns and ordered the Ministry of Transport to begin work on the review immediately. A report back is expected early in the new year.

Rural Contractors New Zealand says the review has been eagerly awaited by the industry which employs around 25,000 people and generates $3.5billion a year.

Executive Director Roger Parton said the review is most timely and will allow the sector to look at all the issues, and not try and just fix a few.

Federated Farmers’ transport spokesperson, Ian Mackenzie says the review is ‘spot on’.