NSW Minister for Roads and Ports, Duncan Gay, says that there are “delays in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s system that are hurting the road freight industry.” Minister Gay has just acquired co-delegation powers to enabled the NSW’s road managers to process permit applications for journeys within NSW. “We are doing everything we can to support the regulator and help with the assessment and issue of much-needed access permits,” Minister Gay added.
“Roads and Maritime Services is working with individual councils across the state to help fast track the assessment and issuing of access permits.
“Operators travelling interstate will continue to have permits approved through the National Regulator but those seeking permits for travel solely within NSW can also seek approvals directly through Roads and Maritime Services and local councils,” Minister Gay said.
Road managers in New South Wales include RMS for state roads and local councils for local roads.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator came into effect on February 10, 2014 and took on the responsibility for processing permit applications for class 1 and 3 journeys on state and local council roads in NSW.
Roads and Maritime Services generally receives around 1,400 applications each month and worked to clear all but 38 permit applications ahead of the National Regulator coming into effect.
Operators are encourage to contact Roads and Maritime for heavy vehicle permits if there is a problem
Operators can use the Roads and Maritime online permit application system to apply for permits to travel on the state’s road network.
Roads and Maritime’s Director of Safety and Compliance, Peter Wells, said “Operators will need to apply directly to councils for approval to travel on local council roads. The NHVR will continue to handle permits for interstate journeys.
“We are looking to support the National Regulator and doing what we can to help with the issuing of permits for travel in NSW.
“The co-delegation returns the process back to a similar state as before 10 February when the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator came into effect.
“Our focus will be on sorting out the backlog for NSW permits which have not been processed since 10 February. NSW applications already submitted to the NHVR for travel in NSW will be returned to Roads and Maritime Services for processing.
“The heavy vehicle industry is vital to our economy and Roads and Maritime is doing its bit to ensure business in NSW is not unduly interrupted,” Mr Wells said.
“We are also liaising with the Local Government Association NSW and developing advice and information for councils to help them process permits under the new laws.
“We will be looking to determine what can be done in the immediate future to ensure the national system functions effectively and permits are not held up.”
Operators can either us MyRTA or the NHVR to submit applications.
Darren is an expert on driving and transport, and is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
