NatRoads calls for slashing of road permits

NatRoad says governments should take bold action to boost productivity, reduce cost of living pressures, improve safety and lower emissions by eliminating most heavy vehicle road access permits by 2028.

The recommendation to slash heavy vehicle access permits was made in NatRoad’s submission to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Productivity Plan 2024-2029.

NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark says removing access permits just makes sense. 

“Reforming heavy vehicle access would provide much-needed relief in today’s cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Clark said.

“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 costs, improved safety and reduced emissions,” Mr Clark explained.

The NatRoad submission stressed the NHVR’s Productivity Plan must focus on the core goal of eliminating permits and implementing the National Automated Access System (NAAS). 

NatRoad argues the successful development of NAAS should be modelled on the effective Tasmanian Heavy Vehicle Access Management System (HVAMS) and should prioritise a transition from permits to network-based access.

“Automated access is not about applying a layer of automation over the top of a broken and inadequate permit system,” Mr Clark said.

“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 and make sure we don’t just end up with never-ending reform without real outcomes,” Mr Clark concluded.

Costs and red tape on the road freight sector impact a wide range of industries across the economy. Previous modelling has shown that improving heavy vehicle access would save the average consumer over $450 annually.