New NHVR notices deliver efficiencies for Special Purpose Vehicle access

Operators of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which include cranes and concrete pumps, will have red tape cut under two new NHVR notices.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (up to 40t total mass) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 had been developed after extensive consultation with industry and would provide significant productivity benefits by reducing cross-border differences.

“This new notice makes it easier for eligible SPVs to access networks by standardising maximum dimensions across the five participating states and territories,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“In addition, it includes an expanded range of SPVs, including city cranes and telehandlers, and SPVs in the ACT and South Australia can now travel at night – with some conditions.”

SPVs that are not eligible for access under this notice can use the second new notice – the National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Special Purpose Vehicles) Exemption Notice 2021 – to apply for an access permit, instead of having to apply for both an access permit and a vehicle standards exemption permit, which was previously the case.

Mr Petroccitto said the new notice merged all SPV vehicle standards exemptions into one notice, regardless of mass.

“We’ve listened to industry feedback and reformed many of the prescriptive requirements included in the previous notice,” he said.

“Consequently, this notice focuses on the vehicle’s on-road performance rather than the task it’s performing, allowing industry more options when moving on public roads.

“It also allows the fitment of a second winch, provides a rear overhang exception and includes a test procedure to ensure a vehicle’s on-road performance.”

The Crane Industry Council of Australia CEO Brandon Hitch said the notices had been developed in consultation with the industry.

“I am pleased with the level of consultation across the industry that has been undertaken to resolve many of the access and vehicle standards issues that have previously existed with the movement of SPVs,” Mr Hitch said.

“This notice encompasses the most common cranes in the industry.

“It is worth noting that efficient movements without the requirement for permits lets industry get on with the job, rebuilding the Australian economy, and reduces unnecessary workloads for the access team at the NHVR and state jurisdictions.

“We look forward to working with the NHVR to implement these changes to deliver a smooth transition for operators.”

Links to the notices and operator’s guides are as below:

• National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (up to 40t total mass) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021
• National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Special Purpose Vehicles) Exemption Notice 2021 (No. 1)
• National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Special Purpose Vehicles) Exemption Notice 2021 Operator’s Guide (PDF, 1.1MB)