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Reform to deliver a simpler and more efficient vehicle licensing system has been announced by Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee.

The Vehicle Licensing Reform project, jointly led by the Ministry of Transport and the NZ Transport Agency will examine:

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has today launched the first of six new two-car trains for Wellington’s Johnsonville line.

“Today’s launch of the Matangi trains represents another chapter in the significant investment in the Wellington metropolitan rail network and is testament to the cooperation of local and central government,” says Mr Brownlee.

Associate Transport Minister Chris Tremain is urging Kiwis to make sure they understand planned changes to two of the give way rules before they come into force on 25 March.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has welcomed this morning’s release of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission’s interim report of its independent inquiry into the grounding of the container ship Rena on Astrolabe Reef on 5 October 2011.

“Today’s report shows good progress is being made investigating how this accident occurred.

“It establishes some verified facts that will enlighten ongoing investigations,” Mr Brownlee said.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says new air services arrangements with Japan build on the already strong relationship between the two countries.

“The arrangements New Zealand and Japan have negotiated will remove many of the current restrictions on services by the airlines of the two countries,” says Mr Brownlee.

“New Zealand has close ties with Japan, and it is an important trading partner. This should help strengthen these links, by making it easier for the airlines of the two countries to introduce new services.”

Transport legislation to modernise and simplify the road user charges (RUC) system has passed in Parliament.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said the Road User Charges Bill 2010 will reduce compliance costs for transport operators and ultimately reduce transport costs for businesses and exporters.

“This Bill represents the most significant reform of the RUC system since it was introduced in 1978,” Mr Brownlee said.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee is calling for people to take care and drive safely this long weekend.

"Many New Zealanders will want to take advantage of this long weekend and head away. It's important to drive to the conditions, check vehicles before setting off, use patience, and avoid taking risks," says Mr Brownlee.

“Police will be lowering speed tolerances for the month, sending a very clear message that unsafe speeds are not acceptable. I urge people to heed this message.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has expressed his condolences on behalf of the Government to the families and loved ones of the 11 people who lost their lives in a hot air ballooning tragedy near Carterton in the Wairarapa this morning.

“We are deeply sorry to learn of this tragic accident and our hearts go out to those who are now mourning the loss of life,” Mr Brownlee said.

“The accident will be thoroughly investigated by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, the Civil Aviation Authority and Police on behalf of the Coroner.”

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says the high holiday road toll is disappointing and it confirms the need to remain vigilant in efforts to improve safety on our roads.

18 people died on the roads during the official holiday driving period which ran from 4pm on December 23 to 6am this morning.

During the same period last year 12 people were killed, while in 2009/10 13 people died.

“This is a disappointing result. Every fatality and serious injury is a tragedy for the families and loved ones of those involved,” Mr Brownlee says.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee and Police Minister Anne Tolley say the record low 2011 road toll of 284 is encouraging but they are urging road users to remain vigilant in keeping the road toll down.

The provisional 2011 toll compares with 375 in 2010, 384 in 2009 and 366 in 2008. The last time the road toll was below 300 was in 1952 when 272 people died.

The Ministers say that the current holiday road toll illustrates why there is no room for complacency.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee is urging road users to do their bit to be safe on the roads these holidays.

“We are currently on target for one of the lowest annual road tolls in 50 years. More lives are being saved and injuries prevented but every road user must continue to take personal responsibility on the roads to stay safe,” Mr Brownlee said.

“The NZ Transport Agency and Police will be working hard to keep the traffic flowing and help to make your trip a safe one.

“I urge road users to work with them and drive responsibly.”