The NHVR has revealed that South Australia’s heavy vehicle operators are set to further reap the benefits of ongoing access reforms that the Regulator claims will cut red tape, open more pre-approved routes, and deliver faster, more consistent outcomes.
The NHVR says that together with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport and local governments, they have continued to deliver a critical set of heavy vehicle productivity initiatives to support safer and more efficient heavy vehicle movements in the state.
The Regulator said that the development of these access reforms has been informed by heavy vehicle access permit data and added that it contributes to the South Australian government’s request to the NHVR to transition heavy vehicle access permits to notices.
It says that the significant work has progressed on introducing new notices to enhance the safe and efficient movements of cranes across the state, along with initiatives to expand the eligible combinations under the Livestock Transport Notice.
The Regulator said that oversize overmass notices introduced have replaced the need for the heavy vehicle industry to apply for permits on key routes, with the ongoing access reforms already expected to slash the number of road manager consents needed by more than 1000.
The SA minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Emily Bourke said the extensive collaboration efforts were focused on ensuring safer, smarter and more efficient freight movements across South Australia.
“These reforms represent a major step forward in modernising the way heavy vehicle access is managed in South Australia,” Minister Bourke said.
“They are a win for industry with clearer, more reliable access; a win for government by cutting repeat permits; and a win for the community through more productive freight that helps keep the cost of goods down,” she added.
The South Australia Class 3 Specified Routes Dimension Exemption Notice 2025 notice)was also published on 29 August this year, replacing the South Australia Class 3 Road Train Dimension Exemption Notice North of Port Augusta.
The NHVR points to the notice as a key development in supporting industries transporting loads, including transportable buildings.
It says the new notice has substantially expanded existing networks and provides new network access to eligible vehicles and that notably, B-doubles are now eligible to operate under the notice. However, it says it is also important for operators to be aware that rigid trucks towing two dog trailers and BA-triples are no longer eligible under this new notice.
Eligible vehicles under the notice will operate on the newly developed set of South Australian networks on the NHVR National Network Map.
“These notices are another milestone in aligning smart regulation with safer, more sustainable freight outcomes,” NHVR CEO Nicole Rosie said.
“By expanding notice access, we are cutting red tape and making it easier for operators to plan their journeys with confidence,” Rosie said.
“We’ve worked closely with the South Australian government to ensure these expanded networks meet real-world operational needs, while maintaining strong safety standards.,” she added.
The NHVR said that extensive work has progressed and continues on the ongoing access reforms, which it adds, ultimately will aim to streamline operations by providing network access under notice and reducing administrative burdens.
The regulator wants to remind operators to review the “Heavy Vehicle – Road Operations Access Map (HV-ROAM)” and that travelling with an oversize overmass vehicle and load in South Australia is in accordance with the document titled “Escorting Guidelines for oversize and overmass vehicles and loads in South Australia”.
It also reminds operators to review the Specified Road Manager Network Requirements, contained within the Operator’s Guide for each notice, ahead of travel.
For comprehensive information, including access conditions and details on the routes, the NHVR says operators are strongly encouraged to consult the notices and the accompanying Operator Guides.
