The NHVR has revealed that it is developing a national notice to fast-track increased mass limits for heavy vehicles, which will effectively raise general mass limits (GML) to align with current concessional mass limits (CML).
The Regulator said thenotice will provide operators with greater flexibility and improved productivity across the road network by making CML weights the new standard for general access, while maintaining a strong focus on safety and protecting infrastructure.
The NHVR’s director of service delivery, Steven Miller said the initiative responds to ongoing pressures being experienced across the heavy vehicle industry.
“We recognise the challenges currently being experienced across industry and are committed to delivering solutions that improve access while maintaining safety,” Miller said.
“The new notice is being developed by the NHVR, in close collaboration with state road agencies and local government, with everyone working together to arrive at an outcome that benefits the entire supply chain.
“Planning is underway for the notice to be available in May pending road manager consent, and the NHVR is committed to keeping industry informed as development progresses,” he reiterated.
The notice brings forward planned mass limit changes ahead of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) amendments, due to commence mid-year.
Under the changes, overall mass limits will increase by one tonne for combinations below 55 tonnes, and two tonnes for combinations above 55 tonnes
At the same time maximum axle group limits will also increase to 17 tonnes for a tandem axle group dual tyres and 21 tonnes for a tri-axle group dual tyres
The Regulator said that the changes remove the requirement for Mass Management accreditation and the one-tonne tri-axle mass transfer allowance adding that there will be no changes to bus axle group limits, which will remain consistent with current CML settings.
The NHVR said that the notice does not apply to PBS combinations, and that operators of PBS vehicles must continue to comply with the mass limits and conditions specified in their PBS Vehicle Approvals.
“Simply put, this means many operators will be able to carry more without the need for additional requirements such as holding Mass Management accreditation,” Miller said.
“By accelerating these higher mass limits, we are aiming to improve freight productivity and reduce unnecessary cost and complexity, during a time where supply chains continue to face pressure and operators are working hard to meet demand.”
The NHVR said that it is continuing to work with local government authorities to ensure road managers are supported in preparing for implementation, including identifying any local conditions or restrictions required to manage infrastructure impacts.
The Regulator said that new factsheets have been published on its NHVR website, which it says will support understanding of the amendments to the MDL Regulations, including the increase in GML to align with current CML weights. A fact sheet in plain language is available by clicking here. Plain language – Proposed changes to heavy vehicle mass and size rule – Fact sheet while a Mass, Dimension and Loading changes – Fact sheet is also available.
The NHVR said that additionally, a list of notices and permit-based schemes still requiring Mass accreditation can be found here.
