Stock Crossing Bylaw 2022

We’ve reviewed the rules and permitting system for moving stock in our district on roads that we control, and we’ve revoked the ex-Franklin Livestock on Roads Bylaw.

Summary of Council Decisions

The written feedback period is now closed.

The Council considered all feedback on Wednesday, 13 July 2022. As a result of the submissions, no changes were made to the proposed bylaw.

The Bylaw was adopted by the Council on 27 July 2022 and will come into effect on 1 September 2022.

Stock crossing permits

The Council did not make any changes to the proposed stock crossing permit requirements. The permitting requirements in the 2022 Bylaw are less stringent than the bylaw it has replaced. The 2007 Bylaw required permits for all stock crossings. This has been replaced with a tiered system for stock crossing permits, which consists of the following:

• Permitted stock crossings – no permit required where certain conditions are met regarding sight lines, safety, and protection of the road surface.
• Conditional stock crossings – conditional permit required when certain conditions cannot be met, or the traffic volume is above a certain limit, the speed limit is above 70kmph, or the road is in an urban area.

To see whether you would require a permit to drive stock on or along your road, view the list of roads below. We will also notify you if you need to apply for a permit.

Moving stock in darkness

The requirement for a permit to move stock in the hours of darkness was retained, due to safety implications. If stock are to be moved in darkness, a stock crossing permit will be required, regardless of which road is being crossed.

New fee

A permit is valid for up to 5 years and a $250 fee will apply.

The application fee will cover our time to process applications for stock crossing permits, including inspection and monitoring over the life of the permit.

Stock underpasses

The bylaw was not changed in regard to stock underpasses. Stock crossings that meet a certain threshold are required to be replaced with a stock underpass. Council incentivises the installation of stock underpasses with a subsidy. The intent of the Bylaw is to increase accountability.

Other matters

Other matters were also considered in the deliberations meeting, and remain unchanged. This includes the ability to set conditions around stock crossing in relation to specific dates and times where it is known that the use of the road can vary significantly, for example over holiday season where traffic numbers can go up significantly, thereby triggering the need for more controls. It was noted the sight distance requirements included in the Bylaw reflect national guidance and recommended traffic management is included in the Bylaw as an appendix for guidance.

Franklin Livestock on Roads Bylaw

The Council considered that the Franklin Livestock on Roads Bylaw is no longer required, as the Stock Crossing Bylaw can apply to the whole Hauraki District area. The Franklin bylaw was revoked, and this will come into effect on 1 September 2022, when it is replaced with the Stock Crossing Bylaw 2022.