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NTC opens HVNL reform access issues for comment

Aim is to identify speed, consistency and transparency in system

 

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released the third of eight Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) reform issues papers – on easy access to suitable routes.

The paper considers current access arrangements under the HVNL, analyses access-related issues and seeks feedback on ways to improve heavy vehicle access.

“Access is straightforward for many heavy vehicles, however, operators of higher-productivity vehicles often need to apply for a permit, or operate under notice, which can result in delays and other costs,” NTC CEO Gillian Miles says.

“These costs affect all Australian businesses and households.

“We also need to manage our road infrastructure effectively.

“We need to find the best way to make sure we allow heavy vehicles access wherever it is safe and sensible and, in doing so, make access decisions quickly, consistently and transparently.”


Read details of submissions to the risk-based regulations paper, here


The NTC says the paper aims to:

  • summarise the current access arrangements under the HVNL, and in Western Australia and the Northern Territory
  • analyse issues with the current access arrangements under the HVNL and outside the law
  • seek preliminary views on the way we can improve heavy vehicle access. 

This issues paper is part of a rolling consultation and this paper is open until August 16.

The next two issues papers due for release in late this month will explore safe vehicles, and safe people and safe practices.

Following consultation of the eight issues papers, the NTC says it will develop a consultation Regulation Impact Statement for comment before taking recommendations to ministers in November 2020.

The NTC also reminds interested parties that ‘Effective fatigue management’ issues paper open for comment 

 

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