Industry alerts

Industry alert: Poor nighttime visibility caused by bike racks on some buses

October 2024 | updated January 2025

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has updated the industry alert warning public transport bus operators of a possible issue with nighttime visibility when bicycles are carried on a front-mounted bike rack.

Industry alert: Poor nighttime visibility caused by bike racks on some buses [PDF, 648 KB]

On some buses fitted with a bike rack, bicycles carried at night can partially obscure the headlamp/s causing a lack of illumination of the road ahead. This is non-compliant with the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 (the Rule).

The industry alert provides information on how operators can check if their buses are affected, and what they can do if they find their fleet is affected.

Key points

• Bus operators should check if their buses are affected and take actions as necessary.
• Bus operators should refer to the bus lighting assessment and improvement options guidance document.
• Bus operators are responsible for maintaining and operating their vehicles in line with the Rule.

Bus lighting assessment and improvement options

This guidance outlines a standardised lighting performance assessment method, a Reference Line Method (RLM).

Bus operators should use this method to check all bus model and bike rack model combinations for non-compliance. Operators can check if they meet the requirements of the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 (the Rule) by using a RLM, and what action should be taken if they don’t meet the requirements.

All buses fitted with bike racks will need to apply for an exemption from the Rule. Guidance on how to do this is in this document. The RLM will determine the details of the exemption.

Bus lighting assessment and improvement options [PDF, 349 KB]

Reference line method diagram [PDF, 145 KB]

Industry alert: Risk of cracks in perforated chassis rails

February 2024

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has issued this industry alert to warn heavy vehicle specialist certifiers and heavy vehicle service providers about the risk of cracks forming in perforated chassis rails.

Industry alert: Risk of cracks in perforated chassis rails [PDF, 737 KB]

Key points for service providers

Heavy vehicle service providers should make sure:

• chassis rails are inspected at every opportunity, especially near load anchor points like log bolsters or container twist locks, and mounting points for other heavy equipment like hi-abs or cranes
• any repairs are completed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, where available
• any modifications meet the applicable certification requirements.

Key points for certifiers

• Make sure the HVEL certification (LT400) for a log bolster attachment confirms the chassis rating remains valid, or a new chassis rating and HVEC certification (LT400) must be issued.
• Consider all conditions of loading in your assessment, including unusual conditions such as side loading from the towing connection or a ‘piggybacked’ trailer.
• Follow good design practice by assessing critical areas, for example avoiding points of high stress concentrations (refer to Appendix B of AS3990-1993 for more information).

Industry alert: Risks associated with trunnion pin type suspension systems

November 2022

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has issued an Industry Alert for trunnion pin type suspension systems.

Industry alert: Risks associated with trunnion pin type suspension systems [PDF, 650 KB]

The Industry Alert provides information about the risks associated with repair or refurbishment of trunnion pin type rear suspension systems common to many heavy vehicles.

An incident where the trunnion pin was ejected from a heavy vehicle suspension causing fatal injuries was investigated by the Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Team (CVST). The Police investigation and report in 2019 found that the incident was mainly caused by the trunnion pin breaking. In addition, the overhaul techniques and replacement parts used during a recent refurbishment of the truck’s rear suspension assembly were of concern.

The industry alert is aimed at heavy vehicle service providers and heavy vehicle operators to ensure all repairers of heavy vehicles are aware of this issue.

Key points

Service providers and vehicle operators should:

• understand the risks of reconditioning this type of trunnion pin suspension system
• only use Original Equipment (OE) trunnion pins and trunnion housings purchased from a reputable supplier for this type of suspension system
• ensure that these suspension units are repaired according to the manufacturer’s instructions by suitably qualified people.