Next step taken after NSW OSOM permit transition to NHVR
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has moved on streamlining oversize overmass (OSOM) movements across New South Wales’ Hunter Valley.
The notice is the largest mass and dimension notice in the country, covering vehicles up to 184.5 tonnes for a combination up to 39.9 metres long, 5.9 metres wide and 5.2 metres high, travelling across the local government areas of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, Maitland, Upper Hunter and Warrumbungle.
The New South Wales Class 1 Load Carrying Combination (Hunter Region) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice will “reduce red tape and provide certainty” for the local mining and freight industry, the regulator notes.
“We’ve worked with industry to identify significant productivity benefits by establishing a dedicated network for OSOM freight moving between the mines, industrial repair facilities and the port,” NHVR freight and supply chain productivity executive director Peter Caprioli says.
“Importantly, we’ve also been able to reach agreement between the industry and many of the region’s road managers to ensure freight can be moved safely and there‘s infrastructure in place to support the movements.”
The move comes after the transition of all OSOM permits in NSW from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to the NHVR Portal completed last month.
How the national regulator took on NSW OSOM permits, here
Caprioli says the NHVR and TfNSW will work with other councils across the region to expand access under the notice.
“While permits are still required through some local government areas, this Notice is an important first step, covering a significant part of the Hunter Region,” he says.
“Vehicles can use designated roads, whereas previously they may have had to apply for a permit.
“We’ve also made a number of other important changes, including increasing steer axle masses from 6.5 tonnes to 7 tonnes and ensuring consistent curfews.”
In the national regulator’s statement, it has the backing of a heavy haulage operator in the region, Bower’s Heavy Haulage (BHH).
“This enables Bower’s to transport a vast amount of versatile OSOM loads under the guidelines in the notice and will assist in moving our freight in a more timely manner by eliminating the waiting time which often caused frustration for our customers,” BHH project manager Tony Passfield says.
“It has also significantly reduced the amount of permits and enables us to provide a service in a more efficient professional manner in which we continually strive to achieve for our business and customers.”