'Confusing' give way rules to change

Transport Minister Steven Joyce. File photo / Sarah Ivey

Transport Minister Steven Joyce has confirmed he will bring New Zealand's "confusing" and idiosyncratic give way rules for turning vehicles into line with those in the rest of the world by early 2012 along with new licensing rules for motorcyclists.

"Our current give way rules for turning vehicles are confusing and out of step with the rest of the world," Mr Joyce said.

Under the existing rules motorists turning left have to give way to right turning traffic coming towards them. The change announced today reverses this so the left turning vehicle would have right of way in that situation.

The Automobile Association has long lobbied for the rule to be changed and blames it for 2560 intersection crashes, and one or two deaths and a lot more driver-side impacts each year.

AA spokesman Mike Noon said a change to the "ridiculous" rule would require a $2m driver education programme and engineering changes, such as rephasing lights and changing road markings in some places, which could cost $1m.

However, he welcomed the change.

"It's more simple that the current rule. We find people don't obey the rule and some don't know what to do."

Changes are also planned at uncontrolled T-intersections where two vehicles are turning right. The current rule will be reversed so traffic turning right off the through road will have right of way.

An extensive education campaign would be carried out to ensure drivers were aware of the new rules before they came into force in early 2012.

Mr Joyce said research suggested the rule changes could reduce relevant intersection crashes by 7 per cent.

Mr Joyce also announced moves to improve motorcycle and moped safety by strengthening licence tests and making them "more motorcycle specific".

The Government will also remove the ability for motorcyclists to reduce their time on a restricted license by completing an approved Defensive Driving or "Street Talk" course. It will also introduce motorcycle specific training as an alternative to the standard testing regime.

Novice riders over 25 years old will also lose the right to a shorter minimum period on a restricted license.

Mr Joyce also announced a new moped specific handling skills test associated with a new license class for such vehicles, a new power to weight ratio restriction for novice riders and refresher training for returning riders.

The new power-to-weight restriction replaces the current "cc" or engine size restrictions for novice riders, "as there are now high performance bikes available with a low cc" Mr Joyce said.

The moves announced today were presaged in the Safer Journeys strategy document earlier this year.

- Additional reporting NZPA