NatRoad has made its submission to the NHVR’s Productivity Plan 2024-2029, calling for the regulator and the transport industry to do away with road access permits across Australia by 2028.
The recommendation to slash 90 per cent of access permits would boost productivity, reduce cost of living pressures, improve safety and lower emissions according to NatRoad CEO Warren Clark, who says the bold move would provide much-needed cost-of-living relief for the industry.
“Reforming heavy vehicle access would provide much-needed relief in today’s cost-of-living-crisis,” he says.
“Removing access barriers enhances heavy vehicle sector productivity, which is vital for Australia’s economy and supply chains.
“By improving access for heavy vehicles, we can move more freight in fewer individual vehicle trips meaning lower cost, improved safety and reduced emissions.”
Previous modelling has shown improving heavy vehicle access would save the average consumer over $450 annually.
Warren says the transition to a network-based access over the current permit system should be prioritised, and inspiration can be taken from the success development of the Tasmanian Heavy Vehicle Access Management System.
“Automated access is not about applying a layer of automation over the top of a broken and inadequate permit system,” he continues.
“We need a new approach to network-based access that slashes red tape for industry and removes administrative burdens for governments.
“While governments have begun to move towards introducing automated access, we need to see a stronger commitment to delivery to make sure we don’t just end up with never-ending reform without real outcomes.”
Public feedback on the NHVR’s Draft Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2024-2029 closed on October 31, 2024.
Key implementations of the regulator’s prior plan, the Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2020-2025, included:
- The delivery of 49 national notices and 50 state and territory notices
- The launch of the National Network Map
- The establishment of permanent electric vehicle networks in NSW and Victoria
- Opening up network opportunities through assessment of over 770 structures across 106 local councils.
The Draft Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2025-2029 is available for viewing here.
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