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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is aware of industry concerns about the length of time it is currently taking to issue permits for heavy haulage operators.
The NHVR is working closely with industry to address these concerns and has introduced temporary changes to its standard process for issuing access permits.
The new national laws for heavy vehicles came into effect this week on Monday, 10 February, requiring the NHVR to secure council approval for heavy vehicle travel on local government roads, before the permit can be issued for an entire journey.
This law is intended to ensure safety for all road users and also protection of important council infrastructure, such as roads and bridges. The NHVR has been working closely with councils for more than six months to prepare them for this new role under the national rule book.
NHVR CEO, Richard Hancock, said the Regulator recognises that even a day's delay can have an impact on certain sectors of the heavy vehicle industry, particularly heavy haulage operators who often require permits within hours.
"We've spoken with frontline operators and industry associations. We've heard that we need to do better and we're moving quickly to respond to industry concerns," he said.
"Effective from midnight, Thursday 13 February, we will now allow operators to obtain approval to travel on the council road network directly from the councils concerned.
"If you already have approval to travel on council roads granted before 10 February 2014, we will recognise this.
"Operators still have to secure all other approvals from electricity companies, rail authorities and other third parties as part of their application before their permit can be issued.
"This is just a transitional measure for these very early days of operation and we will continue to monitor the situation and listen to industry feedback."
For more information, email info@nhvr.gov.au or contact us on 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487). Standard call charges apply. Please check with your phone provider.