Tourist operators targeted

The NZTA has run an operation as part of an annual multi-agency effort to assess the compliance levels of commercial operators serving the foreign tourist market.

It was spearheaded by its commercial transport regulation compliance team on SH94 and targeted vehicles heading into Milford Sound. 

The location was chosen for its unique risks that aren’t found together anywhere else – alpine conditions, high traffic volumes, overseas drivers and a direct connection to the Homer Tunnel.

The transport agency was represented by compliance officers, vehicle specialists and licencing officers who worked alongside the police, Department of Conservation and Tourism NZ.

A spokesman says: “We recently inspected 319 large and small passenger service vehicles and interviewed their drivers. Police carried out breath-testing and inspected 1,100 light vehicles including many rentals, which is a significant section of the tourist market.

“The team found several unlicensed operations and logbook non-compliance that resulted in follow-up action. It was pleased to see a high level of compliance in traditional areas of concern, such as fuel and oil leaks, and clean engine bays – a trend that’s improving every year.

“Roadside operations like this supplement operator verification audits we carry out across the country. They help us verify that audit findings are reflected in on-road behaviour.

“Operations such as this are important because they help us spot trends and issues early, and then use that information to target areas of highest risk. What we see on the ground helps us decide where we put our effort, so our education and enforcement make a real difference.”