Network access

Road managers can provide access to their road network for restricted access vehicles under a notice, pre-approval or permit.

On this page:

What is a notice?

A notice published in the Government Gazette authorises a class of vehicle to use certain parts of the road network under certain conditions.

Before the NHVR can publish a notice, it must satisfy that it is safe to do so and that it has the consent of the relevant road managers.

How does the NHVR ask for consent to a notice?

There are two types of road manager engagement for the purpose of publishing a notice.

Road manager consent

Road manager consent is required when a notice requests access for heavy vehicles where there is an impact to road manager. Impacts include mass, dimension, and road and travel conditions.

Currently, the NHVR requests consent for notices via email. The request will include the following details:

  • The instrument (notice)
  • Vehicle types
  • Requested network of roads
  • Proposed access conditions.

The NHVR works with road managers to obtain road manager decisions as quickly as possible, mindful of understanding the resource impacts for road managers in undertaking these decisions. The HVNL requires road managers to respond to a request for consent from the NHVR within 28 days; however, the NHVR understands if additional time is required to undertake route assessments or consult with other parties.

The NHVR can assist road managers with technical queries or provide additional information that may assist with a road manager’s decision.

Road manager notification (expedited process)

Road manager notification occurs when the NHVR renews a notice (extends its validity period) where the same vehicles, networks, and conditions are preserved (no impacts to road managers).

The NHVR sends this notification via email. If the NHVR does not receive an objection within 14 elapsed days, the NHVR can republish the notice.

Contents of a notice

A notice for a mass or dimension exemption will state the following:

  • the category of heavy vehicles to which the exemption applies;
  • the mass requirement or dimension requirement to which the exemption applies;
  • the areas or routes to which the exemption applies;
  • the conditions mentioned in section 119(1)(b) of the HVNL;
  • the road conditions or travel conditions required by a relevant road manager for the exemption under section 160 or 161;
  • the other conditions of the exemption;
  • the period for which the exemption applies.

The NHVR publishes links to all current access notices on our website.

Identifying and managing risk

The road manager should evaluate the likely impact of the heavy vehicle on road infrastructure, community, and public safety, as detailed in the HVNL and Approved Guidelines for Granting Access. For more information on identifying and mitigating risk, see Guidelines for granting access.

Route assessments

A route assessment is an assessment of the impacts, or likely impacts, of relevant restricted access vehicle use on road infrastructure in the areas or on the routes requested in the notice consultation. This can include structural assessments on bridges, pavements, culverts, tunnels and the like, as well as geometrical assessments such as swept paths at intersections, stacking distances and overtaking provision. It does not include assessment of non-road infrastructure elements, including amenity issues or public consultation processes.

Refusing access under notice

If it is not possible to avoid, or significantly minimise the impacts by applying conditions to the movement of a vehicle, a road manager may decide not to give consent if the operation of the vehicle will or is likely to:

  • cause damage to infrastructure.
  • cause adverse effects on the community.
  • pose a significant risk to public safety.

If you have questions in relation to refusing a notice request, please Contact us or reply to the initial email sent to you for the notice consultation request.

Route updates

A request to update a route in a notice, requires a Route Update Request form to be completed.

If you have missed out on providing access to your roads or would like to amend your access to the LEN, please see the How to complete the route update request form (PDF, 212KB) and complete the relevant form.

Pre-approvals

The road manager for the ‘first and last mile’ of most routes is often a local government.

The NHVR encourages road managers to provide pre-approvals for frequently used vehicle types and routes. To streamline processes, reduce the administrative burden for local government and reduce turnaround times, the NHVR works extensively with local government road managers to gain pre-approved consent for a range of routes.

The pre-approval process targets routes expected to experience large numbers of (particularly Oversize Overmass, but not exclusively) vehicle movements such as roads in industrial areas and access routes connecting existing approved routes or State controlled roads.

When the NHVR receives a permit application for movement on a local road that is pre-approved by the relevant road manager for the vehicle type, the NHVR does not need to seek additional consent from the road manager before issuing a permit. The NHVR will supply a copy of the permit to the road manager.

For more information on the permit process, see Access permits

Pre-approval pack

The NHVR has developed a Pre-approval pack (ZIP, 1.93MB) for local government road managers. The pack includes:

For further guidance and support on the implementation of pre-approvals please email RM.enquiries@NHVR.gov.au

Once your email has been received and reviewed a NHVR staff member will call you as soon as possible to assist you with your enquiry. Should you deem your request to be urgent, please contact us on 13 NHVR (13 64 87).

I need help

More information on how to action your role or get support can be found on our Training and support page. If you need help with any of the steps in this process, please contact us for support.