A joint operation between the NHVR and state police operations has been mounted in Queensland to address Oversize Overmass (OSOM) permit breaches in the state’s southeast.
The National Regulator has partnered with Queensland Police to tackle the issue following what it says have been alarming non-compliant rates of 43 per cent recently.
The NHVR and Queensland Police have dubbed it Operation Kindle, and unlike the Amazon digital reading app and bookstore, will combine roadside inspections with education to reinforce permit conditions, vehicle standards and safe load management for OSOM movements over the next several weeks in areas including the Port of Brisbane and Burpengary.
NHVR director for its Northern Region, Kelli Ready said that multiple operations conducted throughout 2025 identified mechanical, dimension and loading breaches as the primary contributors to non-compliance.
“High levels of non-compliance in an area involving complex heavy load movements are concerning, particularly when these combinations can reach mass limits of up to 150 tonnes and lengths of 19 metres, meaning even the slightest miscalculation can have serious consequences,” Ready said.
“Operators must clearly understand their permit requirements and curfew conditions, which exist to protect road users, infrastructure and the industry,” she said.
“We don’t want operators taking unnecessary risks, which is why Operation Kindle has been established to strengthen our coordinated efforts alongside the QPS and ensure OSOM permit conditions, including curfews, routes and mass limits, are being met.”
Inspector Gareth Bosley of the Queensland Police’s road policing group said that OSOM loads presented an increased risk on Queensland’s roads and urged all drivers to prioritise public safety.
“While it’s essential that enforcement agencies manage these risks, it’s also up to operators and drivers to ensure they’re undertaking these movements safely and in accordance with their permit conditions,” Bosley said.
“This includes ensuring loads are secure, vehicles are in good mechanical condition, and the loading of vehicles does not compromise the driver’s ability to safely control it on our road networks,” he added.
The NHVR said that Operation Kindle will focus on improving compliance with OSOM permit conditions in the region to reduce safety and infrastructure risks, while ensuring operators and escort agencies understand their obligations.
Ready said the industry could help increase safety by ensuring daily checks and regular maintenance were prioritised.
“Both the NHVR and QPS are committed to ensuring safer roads across Queensland, and we will continue to work with industry to achieve this,” she said.
“While we know most operators do the right thing, those who cut corners must be held to account- roadworthiness of heavy vehicles is paramount, and when mechanical systems aren’t up to standard, mistakes can be deadly.
“Officers will be working to educate drivers on the importance of mechanical inspections, permit conditions and loading requirements, to ensure they fully understand their responsibilities for road safety.”
Operators and drivers can read more on OSOM permits and requirements on the NHVR website here.
