An independent review into why some heavy vehicle operators are experiencing economic losses and delays after applying for special road access permits is to be launched by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack said the review followed concerns raised by industry about operators of some restricted-access heavy vehicles being required to wait up to several months for permits allowing them to access the road network.
“To protect infrastructure and ensure the safety of other road users, oversized trucks and machinery that are outside the standard weight and/or dimension limits often require special authority to travel on certain roads,” Mr McCormack said.
“In some cases, however, the time it is taking for this authority to be granted is much longer than anticipated, leaving trucking businesses unable to deliver the required goods when they are needed.”
He said the Oversize Overmass (OSOM) Review would be led by Pascal Felix, a former heavy vehicle regulator in Western Australia.
“The OSOM Review will start immediately, commencing with consultation with industry, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and road managers including Councils and State and Territory road authorities,” Mr McCormack said.
He said the review would consider access arrangements, the regulatory framework and the system processes for ensuring safe, productive and critical access by OSOM vehicles to Australia’s road network.
It is scheduled to be completed by October this year.
