Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2025 (No.3)

Overview

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2025 (No.3) was enacted to address the immediate suspension and amendment of routes for heavy vehicles to prevent or minimise serious harm to public safety and significant damage to road infrastructure. This notice was issued under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, with the authorisation provisions found in sections 173 and 175, and applies to all participating jurisdictions. The purpose of the notice is to amend stated networks for vehicles on the initiative of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. The notice allows for the immediate suspension or amendment of routes to mitigate risks to public safety, and the cancellation or amendment of routes on the Regulator’s initiative. This Notice was published on 5 February 2025 by Jose Arredondo, the Manager of Network Access Policy for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, and it commences immediately upon publication for suspensions or amendments, and 28 days after publication for cancellations or amendments.

Scope and Application

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2025 (No.3) applies to all participating jurisdictions within Australia, governing the stated networks for heavy vehicles. It amends the routes listed in Schedule 1 to either suspend or amend specific routes to prevent or minimise serious harm to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure, as well as to cancel or amend routes on the initiative of the Regulator. This notice is applicable to all persons and entities involved in heavy vehicle operations within the specified networks, impacting their operations and compliance with road regulations. The notice extends its application through subordinate instruments by detailing specific changes to routes and the reasons behind these amendments, as outlined in the Schedule. The notice also allows for public representation within 14 days of its publication by any person affected by the proposed amendments.

Key Provisions

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2025 (No.3) primarily concerns the suspension and amendment of routes for heavy vehicles in various locations, as detailed in Schedule 1. Section 4(1)(a) of the notice allows for the immediate suspension or amendment of routes to prevent or minimise serious harm to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure, while section 4(1)(b) permits the cancellation or amendment of routes on the Regulator's initiative, with such changes taking effect 28 days after publication. This notice, made under sections 175 and 173, applies to all participating jurisdictions and includes specific amendments to routes in New South Wales and South Australia. Parties and entities governed by this notice must comply with the specified changes to heavy vehicle routes. For instance, in New South Wales, vehicles are restricted from accessing Sheraton Rd during school zone hours, with alternative routes provided to maintain safe access. Similarly, in South Australia, certain roads are entirely closed to heavy vehicles due to unsuitable geometry and safety concerns related to high pedestrian traffic and proximity to schools and a cemetery. The notice mandates these changes to ensure safer road usage and infrastructure protection. Breaches of the provisions in this notice can lead to various legal consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the notice, non-compliance with heavy vehicle regulations can generally result in civil or criminal penalties. These may include fines, penalties, or even imprisonment depending on the severity of the breach and the specific laws of the jurisdiction in question. The notice provides a clear framework for the suspension and amendment of routes, ensuring that all affected parties are aware of the new requirements and the potential consequences of non-compliance. The notice allows for public feedback on the proposed changes. Any person affected by the notice can make written representations to the Regulator within 14 days of publication, explaining why the amendment should not be made. This ensures transparency and allows for stakeholder input before the changes are implemented. The notice, published on 05/02/2025, is signed by Jose Arredondo, Manager of Network Access Policy at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, affirming its official status and authority. This notice serves to update and refine the heavy vehicle network routes to address safety and infrastructure concerns, providing a clear and legally binding directive for all parties involved. By specifying the changes and the reasons behind them, the notice aims to enhance public safety and protect road infrastructure from damage caused by heavy vehicles.