Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2025 (No.8)

Overview

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2025 (No. 8), issued under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, aims to modify stated networks for heavy vehicles to prevent or mitigate serious harm to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure. Enacted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, this notice applies across all participating jurisdictions and is authorised under Section 175 for immediate suspension or amendment and Section 173 for cancellation or amendment on the Regulator’s initiative. The notice allows for public submissions within 14 days of publication for those affected, providing an opportunity to voice concerns regarding the proposed changes. The changes include route alterations such as the removal of North Terrace in Orroroo, adjustments to the width of an off-ramp in New South Wales, and the introduction of a school zone restriction in South Australia, all aimed at enhancing safety and infrastructure protection. The notice is structured to ensure that amendments and suspensions are implemented either immediately or 28 days post-publication, depending on the nature of the changes. The specified networks listed in Schedule 1 are altered based on the reasons provided by the Road Managers, such as infrastructure changes or the installation of safety barriers. This proactive approach by the Regulator underscores the commitment to maintaining safety standards and addressing potential risks associated with heavy vehicle routes.

Scope and Application

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2025 (No. 8) applies to all participating jurisdictions, governing the amendment of stated networks for heavy vehicles on the initiative of the Regulator. This notice is particularly relevant to Road Managers, vehicle operators, and any individuals or entities affected by the specified changes to routes in the participating jurisdictions. The geographic reach of this notice is national, encompassing all areas where the Heavy Vehicle National Law applies. The notice amends the routes listed in Schedule 1, such as the removal of North Terrace, Orroroo, and the introduction of a school zone restriction on Audley Street, Woodville North, among others. The stated changes are made under the authorisation provisions of Section 175 and Section 173 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law to prevent or minimise serious harm to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure. Any affected persons have the right to make written representations to the Regulator within 14 days of the notice's publication if they wish to contest the proposed amendments. This notice does not specify any exclusions or exemptions beyond the scope of the authorised provisions and the specified changes outlined in Schedule 1.

Key Provisions

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2025 (No.8) amends the stated networks for heavy vehicles in participating jurisdictions, effective immediately for suspensions and amendments under section 4(1)(a), and 28 days after publication for cancellations and amendments under section 4(1)(b). These changes are intended to prevent or minimise serious harm to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure. The notice applies in all participating jurisdictions and is made under section 175 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) for immediate suspension or amendment of routes and under section 173 for cancellation or amendment on the Regulator’s initiative. The specified networks in Column 2 of Schedule 1 are amended as detailed in Column 4 for reasons provided in Column 5 by the relevant Road Managers. Obligations imposed by this notice include the requirement for any person affected by the purpose of the action to make written representations to the Regulator within 14 days of the publication of the notice if they oppose the amendment. The notice also mandates that the specified route changes be implemented by the Road Managers, who must provide reasons for these changes. These changes are intended to address infrastructure modifications or safety concerns, such as the replacement of access points, reduction of approved widths due to safety barriers, and the introduction of school zone restrictions. Failure to comply with the provisions of this notice may result in legal consequences. Under section 175 of the HVNL, the Regulator has the authority to suspend or amend routes to prevent or minimise serious harm to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure. Any party that fails to adhere to these amendments may face civil or criminal penalties, although specific penalties are not detailed in this notice. However, non-compliance with safety regulations can generally result in significant fines and potential legal action. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as the jurisdictional laws governing heavy vehicle operations.