Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2026 (No.9)

Overview

The Heavy Vehicle National Law Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2026 (No.9) was enacted to address safety and infrastructure concerns related to heavy vehicles in participating jurisdictions. This notice, published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, aims to amend or suspend routes for heavy vehicles on the Regulator’s initiative, particularly where there is a risk to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure. The purpose of this notice is to prevent serious harm to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure by suspending or amending specified routes as outlined in Schedule 1. The notice applies to all participating jurisdictions and allows for public representation regarding the proposed amendments within 14 days of publication. The notice was authorised under section 175 to immediately suspend or amend routes to mitigate immediate risks and under section 173 for amendments on the Regulator’s initiative.

Scope and Application

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2026 (No.9) applies to all participating jurisdictions and is enacted under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) to suspend or amend stated networks for vehicles on the Regulator’s initiative. This notice is designed to ensure public safety and protect road infrastructure by modifying the routes specified in Schedule 1. The changes include the immediate suspension or amendment of routes under section 175 of the HVNL, and the cancellation or amendment of routes under section 173. Specifically, the notice addresses routes for various heavy vehicles, including 2-Axle SPVs, 40t SPVs, Pick & Carry Cranes, and others, detailing the localities and the reasons for the changes as provided by the respective Road Managers. Any affected person has the right to make written representations to the Regulator within 14 days of the notice’s publication if they oppose the amendments.

Key Provisions

The Heavy Vehicle Stated Maps – Network Suspension and Amendment Notice 2026 (No.9) outlines changes to the stated maps for heavy vehicles, focusing on network suspension and amendments in participating jurisdictions. This notice, as stated in section 4(1)(a), immediately suspends or amends routes listed in Schedule 1 to prevent or minimise serious harm to public safety or significant damage to road infrastructure, whereas cancellations or amendments commence 28 days after publication as per section 4(1)(b). The notice applies across all participating jurisdictions and references section 175 for immediate suspension or amendment and section 173 for cancellations or amendments on the Regulator’s initiative. Entities and parties governed by this Act must comply with the specified network changes outlined in Schedule 1. For example, the Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria is tasked with restricting access to the southbound lane of Hume Freeway at Tallarook due to safety concerns with certain vehicles. Similarly, the District Council of Franklin Harbour must remove access from Kimba Rd and Story Rd in Cowell, as these roads do not meet the geometric requirements for B-Doubles and Road Trains, thereby posing significant risk to public safety and infrastructure. These obligations require diligent monitoring and enforcement of the specified routes and conditions. Failure to comply with the provisions of this notice may result in various civil or criminal consequences. While the notice does not explicitly detail penalties, breaches of heavy vehicle laws typically incur fines and potential imprisonment. The exact penalties would depend on the specific breach and the jurisdiction in which it occurs, with the potential for severe penalties under state and federal heavy vehicle laws. It is important for all parties to adhere to the notice to avoid any legal repercussions.