Issue 88 | 16 June 2020

Message from the CEO

Managing the road network is a joint effort between the NHVR, operators and road managers, who work closely together to get the right balance between increased productivity and safe access of infrastructure. The NHVR is not a road owner or road manager, but we help to facilitate a range of access applications from start to finish in a timely way, liaising directly with more than 400 road managers. The NHVR envisions a future state where permits are required by exception, rather than a rule. Over the past five years, we’ve been working to reduce the need for permits—falling from more than 115,000 permits in 2013 to around 80,000 over the past year. This reduction is a good start, but there is a lot more work that needs to be done. Over the past three years we’ve also seen an increase in the number of pre-approved routes, and the expansion of state and national notices (with reduced cross border operating conditions). Often these notices provide targeted or local wins for operators as they are able to focus on improving operations of specific parts of the heavy vehicle industry. For example, recent changes to road train and OSOM networks will lead to a reduction in access permits across NSW, South Australia and Victoria. As always, please make yourself aware of the changes and ensure you have applied, or are carrying, an access notice where required. Other initiatives the NHVR is pursuing to reduce the need for permits; this includes work on the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project to identify infrastructure capability and build a knowledge base of local assets and ultimately deliver a shared responsibility between industry and road managers in accessing networks. If you’re applying for a new or renewed permit through the NHVR Portal, our case officers are here to help if you need assistance or information, and track your application as it goes through the approval process. Sal

PBS milestone highlights industry appetite for innovation

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) led Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme recently celebrated 10,000 innovative heavy vehicle combinations hitting Australian roads, helping drive clear safety and productivity outcomes. The milestone was a highlight of the third annual joint report released today by the NHVR and Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association Institute (ARTSA -i) on the Australian PBS fleet. > Click to read the full statement

$8 million project supporting important freight routes

Work is now underway on an $8 million project aimed to make it easier for local councils to support heavy vehicle operators to choose the most productive routes. The Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project would include 12 councils nationwide in its pilot phase to assess local bridges, culverts and other assets. The 12 Local Governments participating in the pilot are: NSW – Bega Valley Shire Council, Cessnock City Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council Queensland – Central Highlands Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council South Australia – Barossa Council Victoria – Glenelg Shire Council, City of Greater Dandenong, Pyrenees Shire Council Western Australia – Town of Port Hedland  > Click here for the joint media statement

NHVR freezes fee increases to help provide relief to industry

The NHVR will freeze fee increases on all NHVR-provided services until January 2021. NHVR Chair Duncan Gay said helping the industry through this difficult period had been a priority for the regulator, with the fee freeze the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at assisting operators through the pandemic. “We recognise this has been a tough period for many operators and now more than ever we want to encourage heavy vehicle businesses to focus on their safety and that of other road users,” Duncan said. The freeze will apply to all National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) module and nominated vehicle fees. The fee freeze will also apply to permit applications, Victorian escort services and the cost of a new Written Work Diary. > Click here to read the full statement For the list of NHVR fees visit www.nhvr.gov.au/law-policies/fee-schedule The updated schedule of fines and penalties, which will increase by CPI from July 1 2020, is also available at www.nhvr.gov.au/law-policies/penalties-and-infringements

Take time for Portal tips Have you transferred your business to the NHVR Portal? Need help applying for an accreditation module or assistance with your Portal account? The Portal is now your one-stop-shop for all applications relating to Access, Registration and Vehicle Standards. From 1 July 2020, all NHVAS applications must be processed using the NHVR Portal.  We’ve developed a range of videos to guide you through each stage of your application, from setting up your account to submitting applications. Click here to watch Part 1 NHVR Portal Overview, or visit our website for more information.

Have you got another question about coronavirus changes?

A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past few months, but safety still comes first. Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus

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