The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to developing a safer, more efficient transport system for Tasmania.
Federal legislative changes that must come into effect by 1 January 2016 will replace various permits with new requirements for heavy vehicle operators.
Under the new arrangements operators of oversize and overmass vehicles will be able to keep travelling along key routes without the need for a permit.
An approved Route Network Map has been developed based on a Vehicle Reference Guide that sets out a range of different oversize and overmass vehicle combinations currently in use on Tasmanian roads.
Operators will still need to apply for permits for their vehicles to travel outside approved Route Networks through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
The challenge for Tasmanian State and local governments has been to develop a system that mitigates risk to State road networks, but minimises the administrative burden to both the heavy vehicle operators and road managers.
That’s why the Government has been working closely with the transport industry to find the right balance.
We provided $1.7 million for specialist consultants to work with local councils on developing and implementing a series of heavy vehicle access networks across the Tasmanian road network.
The Route Network Map and Vehicle Reference Guide have been developed in close collaboration with the Local Government Association of Tasmania and local councils as well as industry and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
To help heavy vehicle operators understand the new arrangements, the Department of State Growth will hold information sessions around the state in late October, and all heavy vehicle operators are encouraged to attend.
Operators are encouraged to apply for these permits before Monday 16 November to ensure they are not left without access.
The executive director of the Tasmanian Transport Association, Robin Phillips said the advent of a new system for oversize and overmass vehicles will ensure that transport operators can continue to support the Tasmanian economy, and service those businesses that are reliant on the transportation of equipment and manufactured products.
“The work undertaken by the Department of State Growth, with local councils, will also allow for a better understanding of our road assets into the future. We have to safeguard our infrastructure so that our heavy vehicle industry in Tasmania retains an appropriate level of access to the Tasmanian road network going forward,” Mr Phillips said.
For details of the information sessions to be run later this month, see www.transport.tas.gov.au/vehicles/information_sessions