NHVR says the oversize and over mass vehicle notices will reduce red tape across the industry
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is seeking industry feedback on its upcoming Oversize and Over Mass (OSOM) notices that are set to replace the existing annual permits for Class 1 load carrying oversize and over mass vehicles in Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Queensland.
NHVR says the notices will have benefits for heavy haulage operators across the country by reducing red tape.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says it is the first step to removing over 30,000 permits while still maintaining a high standard of safety for Australian heavy haulage vehicles.
“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,” Petroccitto says.
While Queensland’s inclusion is currently limited to annual permits scheme mass of up to 90.5 tonnes, NHVR says it is currently working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) towards expanding the networks under the national notices.
The regulator says removing the requirements for an operator to obtain permits allows industry to operate more effectively and efficiently, helping boost productivity across all channels.
Petroccitto says the time off the road is costly and unproductive for freight businesses, especially small transport operators who work within smaller margins, and NHVR considers it important to take steps in order to make their lives easier while still ensuring a high-level of safety.
“While the crucial delivery outcome of these OSOM notices is to reduce permit numbers across jurisdictions, some steps towards harmonisation have been realised.
“These include South Australia extending maximum combination length out to 30 metres, from 25 metres and NSW increasing maximum combination mass to 100 tonnes from 75 tonnes 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 the operators who will benefit from the notices and feedback can be provided at www.nhvr.gov.au until close of business, Friday June 24 2016.”
NHVR has developed a separate OSOM notice with Tasmania, which was published in November last year.
NHVR says this notice will “likely form the framework and basis of the ongoing harmonisation work for OSOMs nationally”.