Feedback sought on digital revamp
Industry members and the public are being invited to have their say on proposed changes to land transport rules and regulations that officials say will make it easier for people to manage their driver and vehicle obligations online.
The NZTA is seeking feedback on how to shape a system that will allow physical driver’s licences, warrants of fitness and certificates of fitness to be replaced with digital versions.
It comes after parliament passed the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act earlier this year, which updated transport law to recognise digital driver licences alongside physical ones.
The agency notes updates to rules and regulations and transport instruments, a form of secondary legislation, are needed to implement the changes outlined in the act.
As a result, it is consulting on proposals to modernise the NZTA’s services so more of them can be delivered online or flexibly.
James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport, and Paul Goldsmith, Minister for Digitising Government, say consumers are one step closer to being able to have drivers’ licences on their phones with public consultation on the scheme’s design under way.
“Digital drivers’ licences are an important step towards making everyday interactions with transport services faster, easier, and more secure,” adds Meager.
“This is about giving people a practical new option to prove who they are and their right to drive, using technology many already carry with them every day.
“Our government is committed to fixing the basics and building the future, and that is exactly what these proposals would achieve. It is about creating a simpler, more joined-up system where people can manage their transport needs online and receive important information quickly.”
He says putting people at the centre of the design is essential and the government wants to hear people’s views on the proposed approach, including what would give them confidence in that system.
Goldsmith notes: “I want to assure Kiwis that the licences are being designed with privacy and security at their core, allowing users to share only the information required for a transaction.
“This will be entirely optional. People who prefer a physical licence can keep using one, while those who want the convenience of digital will have that choice.
“Public feedback is a vital step in making sure digital driver licences are a safe, trusted, and widely used option. I encourage all New Zealanders to share their views.”
The NZTA explains it will consider and analyse all feedback received before providing advice to the Minister of Transport on the rule changes and the Director of Transport on transport instruments.
A discussion document and the opportunity to provide online feedback can be found at the NZTA’s consultation hub. The last day for submissions is August 12.
