Drivers of special purpose vehicles will only need to apply for one permit, rather than two, after a new policy was adopted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Operators of special purpose vehicles (SPVs), such as cranes and concrete pumps, are set for efficiency gains under new access notices, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) reported.
The National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (up to 40t total mass) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 was developed after extensive consultation with industry to provide productivity benefits by reducing cross-border differences, the regulator said.
Further, SPVs that are not eligible for access under that notice can use an alternative – the National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Special Purpose Vehicles) Exemption Notice 2021 – to apply for an access permit instead of having to apply for both an access permit and a vehicle standards exemption permit, which was previously the case.
“This new notice makes it easier for eligible SPVs to access networks by standardising maximum dimensions across the five participating states and territories,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said.
“In addition, it includes an expanded range of SPVs, including city cranes and telehandlers, and SPVs in the ACT and South Australia can now travel at night – with some conditions.”
Petroccitto said the new notice merged all SPV vehicle standards exemptions into one notice, regardless of mass.
“We’ve listened to industry feedback and reformed many of the prescriptive requirements included in the previous notice,” he added.
“Consequently, this notice focuses on the vehicle’s on-road performance rather than the task it’s performing, allowing industry more options when moving on public roads.
“It also allows the fitment of a second winch, provides a rear overhang exception and includes a test procedure to ensure a vehicle’s on-road performance.”
Earlier moves relating to SPVs can be found here at our sister publication, Fully Loaded
The move gained the backing of the Crane Industry Council of Australia, which mentioned the notices had been developed in consultation with the industry.
“I am pleased with the level of consultation across the industry that has been undertaken to resolve many of the access and vehicle standards issues that have previously existed with the movement of SPVs,” chief executive Brandon Hitch said.
“This notice encompasses the most common cranes in the industry.
“It is worth noting that efficient movements without the requirement for permits lets industry get on with the job, rebuilding the Australian economy, and reduces unnecessary workloads for the access team at the NHVR and state jurisdictions.
“We look forward to working with the NHVR to implement these changes to deliver a smooth transition for operators.”
The notices and operator guides are available below:
National Heavy Vehicle Standards (Special Purpose Vehicles) Exemption Notice 2021 (No. 1)