NHVR and states partner to streamline local road access permits

20-02-2014

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) continues to work closely with state road transport authorities to support local governments and streamline processing of local road access permits, particularly for urgent applications in the heavy haulage sector.

Chief Executive, Richard Hancock, said additional measures in place this week are particularly targeted at applications with urgent turn-around times, such as heavy haulage operators seeking over-size or over-mass permits (OSOM) or mobile construction vehicles that need special purpose vehicle (SPV) permits.

“The permit process is also new for many councils and the NHVR, together with all state road transport authorities, is exploring additional ways it can support these local government road managers with time-critical applications,” said Mr Hancock.

Since last week, the NHVR and states have taken a series of steps to address delays.

  • The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is processing OSOM/SPV permits for trips wholly in Queensland on the NHVR’s behalf, as well as continuing to process applications lodged with TMR before the new national law commenced on 10 February.
  • VICRoads, New South Wales Roads & Maritime Services (RMS) and the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure are providing specialist permit officers to help process applications at NHVR’s national headquarters and contribute local knowledge of their state’s road network.
  • For NSW applications, once operators have submitted their permit application to NHVR, they can also contact RMS directly to inquire about its status.
  • NHVR national Call Centre staffing has been increased by more than 50 per cent to help manage industry inquiries.
  • Operators in all states can also approach local governments directly to seek consent and attach this consent to their application.

Operators can also speed up application processing times by:

  • applying once so that multiple applications don’t have to be tracked and cross-checked
  • applying online
  • if faxing, separate applications for easier identification and processing
  • ensuring the correct information is included on the application.

For more information, visit the NHVR website at www.nhvr.gov.au/road-access/access-management or call the NHVR on 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487).