54Powers of entry and examination

54 Powers of entry and examination

(1)  An acquiring authority may authorize a person, in writing, to enter on land to ascertain whether that or other land is suitable for an authorized purpose or to obtain information in relation to land.

(2)  A person authorized to enter on land to ascertain whether that land is suitable for an authorized purpose or to obtain information in relation to that land may –

(a) enter and remain on that land with such assistants, vehicles, machinery and equipment as the person thinks fit; and

(b) [Section 54 Subsection (2) amended by No. 19 of 2001, s. 11, Applied:12 Apr 2001] [Section 54 Subsection (2) amended by No. 19 of 2001, s. 11, Applied:12 Apr 2001] make surveys, take levels, sink pits, examine the soil, take samples and do any other thing in relation to the land; and

(c) [Section 54 Subsection (2) amended by No. 19 of 2001, s. 11, Applied:12 Apr 2001] remove from the land any samples taken under paragraph (b) .

(3)  A person authorized to enter on land to ascertain whether other land is suitable for an authorized purpose or to obtain information in relation to other land may enter and remain on the first-mentioned land with such assistants, vehicles, machinery and equipment as the person thinks fit.

(3A)  [Section 54 Subsection (3A) inserted by No. 31 of 2019, s. 18, Applied:01 Jan 2020] A person authorized to enter on land to ascertain whether other land is suitable for an authorized purpose or to obtain information in relation to other land, and any person assisting such a person on the land, must ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that –

(a) activities on the land taken by the person are in accordance with contemporary best practice in relation to reducing the spread of pests and disease; and

(b) so far as is reasonably practicable, activities on the land taken by the person do not conflict with the interests of the owner or occupier of the land; and