Published: January 2025
This research, options development, and implementation plan provides options on how to address the fire and emergency response risks posed by non-internal combustion engine (non-ICE) vehicles.
In summary, NZ Transport Agency’s (NZTA’s) position is that a non-regulatory method of identification – either digital licence plate recognition or a voluntary labelling option – is the best way forward. This is based on the slowing down of the rollout of non-ICE vehicles and the fact that solutions already exist to support the right outcomes, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and Motor Vehicle Register/Rightcar tools available to emergency service providers. Further effort will be undertaken to provide education to partner organisations.
The NZTA acknowledge that non-ICE vehicles pose a risk to emergency service providers, however at this point in time the topic isn’t of sufficient priority to warrant adding to the legislative change work programme.
Report completed November 2023.
