Issue 102 | 15 December 2020

Photo credit: Shaun Smouse

Message from the CEO

I’d like to use this opportunity to recognise and thank everyone across the heavy vehicle industry and wider heavy vehicle supply chain for the strength and resilience you have shown this year. I hope those of you who are able to take a break over the Christmas and New Year period have an opportunity to reflect on the enormous benefit you’ve delivered right across Australia, both during the bushfires and pandemic. Many of you have been at the frontline and your support in servicing our local communities in extremely difficult times has been unwavering. Take the time to check in with your loved ones and with yourself in what has been a challenging year for all. For those who are continuing to work during the coming weeks, please take the time to ensure that your safety systems are in place to tackle the risks associated with distraction and fatigue. Have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year period and I look forward to seeing you in 2021. Sal

Engineering assessments improve operator route planning

The NHVR’s Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP) is supporting better route planning on strategic freight routes Australia-wide. The initial Pilot Phase finished in mid-October, with 100 bridges and culverts assessed across 12 local government areas nationally. Engineering reports for the assets provided access information for more than 100 vehicle configurations, including Oversize Overmass vehicles, B-Doubles and Road Trains. > Click here to read more about the project

Have your say on the revised Inspection Manual

The NHVR is undertaking a five-yearly review of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) and is seeking input on the revised draft – NHVIM 3.0. Consultation began on 7 December and feedback can be submitted until 29 January 2021 via the NHVIM feedback form. > Click here for draft NHVIM 3.0 and feedback form The NHVR is also seeking feedback on the revised draft VSB6 Section T – Tow Trucks, which has been updated to align with current design and construction techniques. Consultation began on 7 December and feedback can be submitted until 29 January 2021 via the VSB6 feedback form. > Click here for draft VSB6 Section T – Tow Trucks and feedback form

Christmas/New Year travel restrictions

Road managers have advised the NHVR of some disruption to services for certain Class 1 heavy vehicles over the Christmas and New Year period. For vehicles operating under a permit, operators should check the permit conditions to establish whether Christmas or public holiday travel restrictions are listed or are referenced in related notices. All heavy vehicles are subject to conditions of access under their relevant notice or permit. > Click here for the latest information about holiday access

NHVR fee changes for 2021

NHVR access fees will increase by $1 from January 11, following a six month freeze on fee changes. Fees will also increase for National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme modules for the first time since October 2018. The NHVR delayed the changes by six months to assist businesses managing the ongoing changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. > Click here for the new fee schedule

NHVR office hours

The NHVR offices will be closed from Friday 25 December 2020 and will re-open on Monday 4 January 2021. The NHVR call centre will be closed on Public Holidays only and open on all other business days from 8am–6pm (AEDT). Please be aware that other road managers, such as local governments, may have limited or no services available during this period. > Click here for more information on Christmas office hours

Stay up to date with freight border crossing changes

The NHVR is continuing to coordinate information from state and federal authorities for essential travellers, including anyone moving freight. As borders re-open, stay up to date with the latest information about the ongoing requirements and heavy vehicle-friendly testing sites. > Click here for more information about COVID access

Get in touch

1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487) www.nhvr.gov.au

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