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South Australia Class 1 Utility Pole Transportation Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide
National
Heavy
Vehicle
Regulator
The South Australia Class 1 Utility Pole Transportation Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) provides exemptions to dimension requirements for a Class 1 heavy vehicle that is transporting utility poles while conducting installation or maintenance activities.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gazette Notice: | C2023G01172 |
| Starts: | 3 November 2023 |
| Expires: | 2 November 2028 |
| Vehicle types: | Class 1, prime mover and semitrailer |
| Exemptions: |
Dimension requirements (length of combination or single vehicle, rear overhang) |
| Law: | HVNL, MDL |
| Coverage: | SA |
| To be carried: | No |
- Overview
- Definitions
- Eligible
Vehicles - Conditions
- Network and
Mapping - Related
Notices - Resources
- Changes and
Updates
Overview
The information in this Operator’s Guide is intended to do two things:
- Explain how the South Australia Class 1 Utility Pole Transportation Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) (Notice) operates, to assist in complying with it. It is important to remember this Operator’s Guide is instructional only and it is the Notice that provides the exemption or authorisation. If there is a difference or misunderstanding between the Operator’s Guide and the Notice, the Notice has priority and must be followed. The only exceptions are the requirements or conditions set out in the ‘Network and Mapping’ section explained below.
- Provide additional information referred to in the network requirements of the Notice. This includes links to network maps and other information such as vehicle, travel and road conditions. Networks and their conditions published in the ‘Network and Mapping’ section of this Operator’s Guide are not general advice and must be treated as conditions of the Notice.
Please read the Notice and this Operator's Guide together. To download or print this guide, use the print or PDF buttons on the top right of this page
About this Notice
This Notice enables a prime mover and semitrailer combination up to 33.0m long and operated by SA Power Networks or contracted to SA Power Networks, that is transporting utility poles up to 26.0m in length to perform utility pole installation or maintenance activities. These utility pole installation or maintenance activities assist SA Power Networks to ensure the continued supply of electricity in South Australia.
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply to the extent to which conditions are granted.
Dimension exemptions – all eligible combinations
An eligible combination operating under this Notice is exempt from the following dimension requirements of Schedule 6 of the MDL:
Please note that other mass or dimension limits are as per the MDL.
Definitions
Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Operator’s Guide have the same meanings as those defined in the HVNL and the Notice.
|
Term |
Definition |
|---|---|
|
ADR |
Means the Australian Design Rule. |
|
Class 1 heavy vehicle |
A heavy vehicle is a Class 1 heavy vehicle if it, together with its load, does not comply with a prescribed mass requirement or prescribed dimension requirement applying to it, and— (a) it is a special purpose vehicle; or (b) it is an agricultural vehicle other than an agricultural trailer; or (c) it— |
|
Eligible vehicle |
A Class 1 heavy vehicle that meets all the requirements in section 7 of the notice: A prime mover and semitrailer combination, no longer than 33.0m long, operating in South Australia, that is: (a) carrying one or more utility poles that do not exceed 26.0m in length; and (b) is operated by SA Power networks, or an entity contracted to SA Power Networks; and (c) is being used to perform utility pole installation or maintenance. |
| Low visibility |
When circumstances such as fog, heavy rain, smoke, dust, or insect plague cause— (a) visibility to be less than 250m in the daytime; or (b) the headlights of a vehicle approaching within 250m to not be seen at night. |
| Rear extension | The part of the trailer that can extend beyond the main fixed body of the trailer. |
|
SA Power Networks |
An entity trading as SA Power Networks or contracted to SA Power Networks. |
| Utility pole | An engineered pole intended for the purpose of supporting overhead electricity transmission lines, telecommunications lines, or other form of infrastructure consisting of a cable. |
Eligible vehicles
To be eligible to operate under the notice, eligible vehicles must comply with all requirements of the MDL including the general mass limits and axle spacing mass limits as specified in Schedule 1. Operators are responsible for complying with these limits, just like any other operator using prescriptive vehicles.
The notice applies to a class 1 prime mover and semitrailer combination that is:
- carrying one or more utility poles that to do not exceed 26.0m in length; and
- is operated by SA Power networks, or an entity contracted to SA Power Networks; and
- is being used to perform utility pole installation or maintenance.
Conditions
Notices are subject to various conditions to ensure public safety, protect assets and prevent adverse impacts on the community, such as noise, emissions and traffic congestion. See the sections below for specific conditions related to this Notice.
Dimension conditions - Click to expand
General dimension conditions
An eligible vehicle must not exceed 33.0m in length when transporting utility poles.
The rear overhang of an eligible vehicle must not exceed 25% of the vehicle length.
Utility poles conditions
A utility pole carried by an eligible vehicle must not exceed 26.0m in length.
Schedule 8 conditions - Click to expand
Conditions from MDL Schedule 8
Relevant warning signs, warning lights and pilot and escort vehicle requirements are set out in the following provisions of the MDL:
- From Part 1:
- Division 5 - Pilot and escort vehicles
- From Part 3:
- Division 1 - Warning lights
- Division 2 - Warning signs
Warning devices
Operators can comply with the requirements for warning devices in section 2 of Schedule 8 of the MDL or the requirements set out in the Notice.
Utility poles must be delineated with a least three sight boards as follows:
- On the rear of the pole, one sight board displaying a vertical surface 750mm long and 300mm high to the sides and a vertical surface 400mm square to the rear.
- Along the length of the pole, two sight boards each displaying a vertical surface of 350mm long and 400mm high to the sides.
- All vertical surfaces of the sight boards to display 100mm wide alternate red and yellow reflective stripes at an angle of 45 degrees.
- At night or during periods of low visibility the section of pole(s) that extends past the rear of the trailer must be delineated at the end with a red stop/tail light facing to the rear and side marker lights which display an amber light to the front and a red light to the rear. Side marker lights shall be spaced no greater than 2.0m apart.
For the purpose of this Notice, ‘low visibility’ means the same as specified in section 8 of Schedule 8 of the MDL.
The vehicle combination must display a warning light or lights, which must be visible from all sides fixed to the highest practicable point on the vehicle.
A warning sign must be affixed to the front of the vehicle.
Pilot and escorts
An eligible vehicle must comply with pilot and escort requirements in the Escorting Guidelines for oversize and overmass vehicles in South Australia.
If the rear overhang of a prime mover and trailer combination exceeds 5.5m, a rear pilot must accompany the load.
These conditions ensure that the safety of an eligible vehicle transporting utility poles on all roads in South Australia by ensuring that it is clearly visible to other road users.
Other conditions and additional information
Third party approvals
Gazette notices, permits and some jurisdictional laws may require third parties and other entities to provide permission for a vehicle to travel if it exceeds certain mass or dimension limits.
Operators must secure all approvals from third parties such as electricity/utility companies, rail authorities and other third parties as part of their heavy vehicle operations.
For more information, visit the Third party approvals page.
Loading requirements
A load on a heavy vehicle must:
- not be placed in a way that makes the vehicle unstable or unsafe
- be secured so it is unlikely to fall or be dislodged
- be restrained using an appropriate restraint method
- be placed, secured or restrained in a way that meets the loading performance standards listed in Schedule 7 of the MDL.
Visit the NHVR loading page for more information on load requirements.
Complying with the HVNL
Unless otherwise exempted by the Notice or this Operator's Guide, operators must ensure their vehicle or combination complies with ADRs, HVNL, MDL and VS Regulation.
Using or permitting another person to use a defective heavy vehicle or a heavy vehicle with unapproved modifications on a road may be an offence.
Failure to comply may result in the driver and/or operator being liable for an offence. Penalties can include infringement notices or prosecution.
Chain of Responsibility (CoR)
Under the HVNL, every party in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) has a positive duty to ensure the safety of their activities in relation to a heavy vehicle. This duty, known as the “primary duty”, applies to the scheduling, loading and consigning of a vehicle, as well as to its operation on a road.
Safety is broader than the safety of drivers and other road users. It also includes protection of road infrastructure, preventing damage to other vehicles or property, and minimising environmental harm. Substantial penalties may be imposed upon parties who breach this obligation and upon their executives.
For more information on your CoR obligations visit Chain of Responsibility on the NHVR website.
Our Regulatory Advice offers guidance, tips and tools for managing a range of heavy vehicle safety risks.
The requirement to carry the Notice
Drivers do not need to carry a copy of the Notice.
Network and mapping
For the purposes of s121 of the HVNL, an area or route specified in the 'Network & Mapping' section of this Operator's Guide is a stated area or route to which this Notice applies. In addition to complying with the conditions stated in this Operator's Guide, operators must ensure compliance with the specific road manager access requirements set out below or in network maps.
Network mapping home pages for states
Approved routes covered by the Notice
The following routes are approved for travel for vehicles eligible under this Notice.
Approved routes covered by the Notice - Click to expand
Eligible vehicles complying with the conditions of the Notice are authorised to operate on all roads in South Australia.
An eligible vehicle operating on an area or route specified in this notice must comply with the following conditions as specified for routes and areas:
- Road conditions pursuant to section 160 of the HVNL; and
- Travel conditions pursuant to section 161 of the HVNL; and
- Vehicle conditions pursuant to section 162 of the HVNL.
Participating road manager network conditions - Click to expand
Wattle Range Council
- No travel is permitted on any road/bridge with a posted weight limit.
- Operators are held responsible for inspecting all route prior to use to ensure the vehicle will have adequate clearance from roadside vegetation, infrastructure, other vehicles and road users.
- Operators are held responsible for any damage to the road surface and surrounds. All repairs and rectification work on Council Infrastructure, such as the road, damaged through the works undertaken are to be completed either immediately after the damage has been inflicted or immediately after the works have been completed. A Council representative is to be on site to inspect any damage and rectification works.
Non-participating road managers - Click to expand
Access on local roads for the following non-participating road managers is not approved for an eligible vehicle under the Notice and operators will need to apply for an NHVR permit.
- City of Burnside
- City of Charles Sturt
- City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters
- City of Prospect
- City of Tree Gully
- City of Unley
- District Council of Karoonda East Murray
- District Council of Peterborough
- District Council of Streaky Bay
- Flinders Ports
- Port Pirie Regional Council
Related notices
In this tab, you will find a list of state and territory notices related to the South Australia Class 1 Utility Pole Transportation Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1).
A related notice may be comparable with this Notice or provide alternatives for operators to find the appropriate notice under which to operate.
Related state notices
Supporting documents
All information about the Notice is contained in this Operator’s Guide. Please refer to the tabs for more information about this Notice, or contact us with your specific questions.
Resources
There are no additional resources for this notice. However, operators are reminded of ongoing maintenance and other road infrastructure works across South Australia and are advised to refer to the South Australia Government’s Addinsight app and the TrafficSA website to ensure their route is not impacted by works.
Operators should also consult the South Australia Height Clearance Map and Limited Access Locations Information Bulletin located on the Approved areas or routes page of the South Australia Government’s website.
Note: If you have any feedback on the information provided, please contact us at info@nhvr.gov.au
Changes and updates
| Date | Summary | Links to resources and communications |
|---|---|---|
| 3 November 2023 | South Australia Class 1 Utility Pole Transportation Dimension Exemption Notice 2023 (No.1) commenced. | C2023G01172 |
www.nhvr.gov.au
E info@nhvr.gov.au
P 13 NHVR (136 487)
PO Box 492, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006