The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has sought comment on its upcoming Notices which will have extensive benefits for heavy haulage operators across the country.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said this was the first step to removing over 30,000 permits a year while still maintaining a high standard of safety for Australian heavy haulage vehicles.
"The Oversize and Over Mass (OSOM) Notices will replace the existing annual permits for Class 1 Load Carrying Oversize and Over Mass vehicles in Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Queensland," Mr Petroccitto said.
"Once implemented, the Notices allow OSOM operators instant access to the network that was afforded under the annual permit schemes, without having to wait for a permit."
While Queensland's inclusion is currently limited to annual permits scheme mass of up to 90.5t, TMR and the NHVR are working closely towards expanding the networks under the national notices.
Removing the requirements for an operator to obtain permits allows industry to operate more effectively and efficiently, a massive boost to sector productivity. This is a significant step towards reducing red tape across the heavy vehicle industry.
Mr Petroccitto said this time off the road is costly and unproductive for freight businesses, especially small transport operators who work within smaller margins, and whatever we can do to make their lives easier while still ensuring a high-level of safety is paramount.
"While the crucial delivery outcome of these OSOM Notices is to reduce permit numbers across jurisdictions, some steps towards harmonisation have been achieved," he said.
"These include South Australia extending maximum combination length out to 30 metres, from 25 metres and NSW increasing maximum combination mass to 100t from 75t for dollies and trailers with eight-tyred axles.
"Continued harmonisation of OSOM access requirements across the country is the next key initiative the NHVR is progressing.
"We want to hear directly from operators that will benefit from the Notices and feedback can be provided at www.nhvr.gov.au/national-notices until COB, Friday June 24 2016."
Tasmania and the NHVR have developed a separate OSOM Notice which was published in November 2015.
Contact: Jillian Bagnall | 07 3309 8605