Stock Droving & Road Safety

Stock droving

If you are moving stock along a road in the Gore District, or across a road, it is paramount to ensure your safety, that of your stock and of course the safety of other road users. The Gore District Council’s Roading Bylaw sets out a traffic management plan to assist with this.

A few points to remember are:

all droves over 10km or through urban areas require a permit,
no droving during the hours of darkness,
drovers and assistants are to wear a high visibility vest or jacket,
ensure stock warning signs are clearly visible for a minimum of 100m, and
road surfaces should be kept free of debris and effluent.

Planning ahead, keeping stock moving and under control at all times, and making sure you are visible will remove some of the stress from moving stock.

Please contact our roading team, phone 209 0330, if you have any questions.

Rules for moving stock along a road [PDF, 443 KB]

Rules for moving stock across a road [PDF, 955 KB]

Application for a permit to drove stock along a road [PDF, 322 KB]

Safe Holiday Driving

Increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments are just some of the reason why travelling in holiday periods can be more risky. Follow these tips to help ensure your travel is a safe and pleasurable experience for you and others sharing the road with you.

Check your vehicle – Most garages offer safety checks for tyre tread and pressure, lights, brakes and cooling systems. A well-tuned vehicle is also more fuel efficient, so you also save money on your fuel costs.
Packing - Make sure everything is securely stowed when you pack your vehicle. Even small objects can become dangerous missiles in the event of a sudden stop.
Trailers and caravans – Check all towing attachments and make sure the couplings are compatible. Also remember to check the safety chain, trailer lights, tyres and brakes.
Buckle up – Don’t let your holiday be marred by a tragedy simply because someone didn’t buckle up. Wear your safety belt at all times and pay particular attention to children. Also secure pets or loose items.
Speeding – Drive within the speed limit at all times and watch carefully ahead for slow traffic or road conditions notifying a need to change the speed limit. If you are unsure SLOW DOWN.
Fatigue – If going on a long trip make sure you get a good nights sleep beforehand. Avoid driving late at night and stop to take a power nap if you feel sleepy.
Cellphones – Reading or sending text messages while driving is illegal. All drivers must not use a hand-held phone, unless the device is completely hands-free or mounted securely to the vehicle – and touched infrequently and briefly.
Alcohol - If you’re attending a social function and intend to drink leave your vehicle at home or nominate a sober driver before you go out. Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking.

Winter safety on our roads

New Zealand Transport Agency winter motoring brochure [PDF, 2.3MB]

During the winter months, it can be difficult for drivers to see what is going on outside their vehicles. Which is why, during winter is it very important to make sure you can be seen. Wear reflective, bright clothing. If you have a dog look for a reflective collar, lead or vest. Most pet shops have them now

Tips for Walking

Wear bright/light coloured clothing and reflective materials.
Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
Cross the street in a well-lit area at night.
Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.
Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
Don't assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers, don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, he or she may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.
Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Tips for Cycling

Wear an approved safety helmet. Always fasten it securely, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing .
Ride only on the road (unless you’re delivering newspapers, mail or leaflets, or there is a sign indicating the footpath is a shared pedestrian and cycle path).
At intersections follow the rules for motor vehicles, or get off your cycle and walk across.
If space allows, you can ride alongside another cyclist or moped. You must not ride alongside a car, truck or other motor vehicle.
Ride in single file if passing another vehicle.
Give a hand signal at least three seconds before stopping or turning.
Only carry a pillion passenger on your cycle if you have a pillion seat and footrest. If you’re carrying a child, make sure the pillion seat protects the child's legs from the wheels.
You must not leave a cycle blocking a footpath.
Use cycle paths or lanes, where provided.
Ride with lights on when it’s dark or at other times of poor visibility.
Keep your cycle in good working condition.

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