Joint effort with state department opens up key road linkages for operators
Transport operators in Tasmania are expected to benefit from improved access permit procedures from this month.
The Heavy Vehicle National Regulator (NHVR) has made changes to its permit application system so that operators have more flexibility when planning a route to the port.
One of the changes include providing additional permit to access the nearest alternative route to the port in case of road closures or other factors affecting cargo movement at the port.
This means operators will no longer need to lodge another permit application for the diverted route.
The move is part of a joint effort by the national regulator and the Tasmanian Department of State Growth.
“Often when operators apply for a permit to the port, the route is sometimes diverted because of bad weather or movement constraints at the port and the shipment is diverted to another port,” NHVR access manager Roger Garcia says.
“Operators then have to put in another permit application for the diverted route.
“We’ve made some changes in the Route Planner so now when you apply for a permit to a particular port, we will also include additional access to the nearest port that may also be affected by that movement in one permit.
“In addition, you can now plot a route over water to the islands off Tasmania and have it included as part of the permit application.
“This means only one permit application is needed for the trip.”
NHVR says the move has benefits for the entire state transport sector and is an example of how the national regulator is working for the industry.