Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2026 (No.4)

Overview

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2026 (No. 4) was enacted to address immediate and serious concerns regarding public safety and road infrastructure integrity. This Notice was published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator under the authority of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and aims to prevent or mitigate significant harm by suspending or amending heavy vehicle routes in participating jurisdictions. The Notice suspends or amends specific routes in Victoria, including those for 4 and 5-axle all terrain mobile cranes, 2-axle special purpose vehicles (SPVs), and 40t SPVs (including 3-axle mobile and 4-axle truck cranes and concrete pump trucks) in Frankston City Council, due to risks associated with the structural capacity of the Wells Street Bridge. Immediate action was deemed necessary to prevent potential damage to the bridge and surrounding infrastructure. The Notice allows for public input from those affected by the amendments within 14 days of publication.

Scope and Application

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2026 (No.4) pertains to the suspension, amendment, and cancellation of stated networks for heavy vehicles across all participating jurisdictions. This notice applies to all entities and individuals involved in operating heavy vehicles within the specified networks, particularly those managing all terrain mobile cranes, special purpose vehicles, and other specified heavy vehicles. The notice is designed to address issues concerning public safety and infrastructure integrity, particularly in relation to the structural capacity of specific bridges and road networks. The immediate commencement of the suspension or amendment of routes aims to prevent serious harm, while the cancellation or amendment of routes will take effect 28 days post-publication, allowing for stakeholder consultation. This notice is issued under the authority of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and is applicable in all jurisdictions participating in the network access policy. The notice provides a mechanism for affected parties to make written representations to the Regulator within 14 days of the notice's publication if they wish to contest the amendments.

Key Provisions

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2026 (No.4) primarily focuses on modifying and suspending specific routes for heavy vehicles in Victoria, as outlined in the Schedule 1 (sections 174 and 175). This notice amends the routes for vehicles such as 4 & 5-Axle All Terrain Mobile Cranes, 2-Axle Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), and 40t SPVs (including 3-Axle Mobile and 4-Axle Truck Cranes and Concrete Pump Trucks). The changes include restrictions on access for these vehicles on the Wells Street Bridge in Frankston City Council due to significant risks associated with the bridge’s structural capacity. The load limit on the bridge is currently unknown, and continued use by heavy vehicles may cause damage to the bridge and surrounding road infrastructure (Schedule 1, Column 4 and 5). The notice imposes obligations on road managers and affected parties to comply with the specified amendments. The Road Manager, in this case, has cited safety concerns and potential infrastructure damage as reasons for the changes. Any person or entity affected by these amendments has the right to make written representations to the Regulator within 14 days of the notice’s publication if they believe the amendment should not proceed (Schedule 1, Column 5 and Public Notice of Amendment). Failure to comply with the provisions of this notice may result in legal consequences. While the notice does not explicitly detail specific penalties, breaches of heavy vehicle regulations generally carry significant fines and potential imprisonment under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The exact penalties would be determined based on the nature of the breach and the relevant state or territory laws. The notice’s primary aim is to ensure public safety and protect road infrastructure by preventing heavy vehicles from using routes that may cause harm.