Stock movement bylaw imminent for Franklin

Farmers and rural road users in the northern part of the Waikato district are reminded that next month a new bylaw regarding stock movement on public roads will come into force.

On 1 July 2012, farmers in the former Franklin district area will join the remainder of the Waikato district in coming under the Waikato District Council Livestock Movement Bylaw passed in 2011.

“We hope all the farmers affected by this new bylaw are well up to speed with what is required,” said general manager of Roading and Projects Ian Gooden. “If farmers need a permit to move stock under the new bylaw and have yet to apply, we would urge them to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

The key reason for implementing the bylaw is safety. This has become an increasingly important issue as population growth and the increasing numbers of lifestyle blocks mean more people use the district’s rural roads, and often travel at faster speeds.

The bylaw protects farmers, motorists and stock with a simple set of rules that govern stock movement on public roads. The bylaw is based on one that has operated successfully in the remainder of the Waikato district for five years.

The bylaw identifies four types of stock movement:

• In urban areas or roads which have more than 2,000 vehicles a day, moving stock is prohibited.
• On sealed roads, moving livestock will require a Livestock Movement Permit.
• On unsealed roads, livestock can be moved without a permit subject to certain conditions as noted in the bylaw.
• All movement of dairy stock will require a Dairy Crossing Permit, regardless of whether the road is sealed or unsealed.

Permits are free, allow for multiple crossings, and are valid for up to five years. Regardless of whether a permit is required certain safety measures will have to be observed when moving stock, including warning signs, flashing amber lights and dayglo safety vests. For more information on the bylaw visit www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz.

Mr Gooden reminded farmers that it was important to comply with the bylaw in order to ensure that they were protected for legal purposes in the event of an incident between their stock and a vehicle.

Permits will be issued to farmers when the bylaw becomes effective on 1 July, although the council has been asking for applications to be submitted as early as possible to ensure there are no delays in processing.

In cases where the bylaw is breached, the council will firstly look to work with the farmer to rectify the problem and help them understand the bylaw. The council also has the power to suspend or revoke a permit, and in extreme cases prosecution may result, with a fine of up to $20,000 able to be imposed.

The 1 July implementation date for the Franklin area, compared with the 1 November 2011 date for the remainder of the Waikato district, was set to allow Franklin farmers time to adjust to additional requirements not present under the former Franklin District Council’s bylaw.