National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation (Notice) 2014 Amendment Notice 2016 (No.1)

Overview

The National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation (Notice) 2014 Amendment Notice 2016 (No. 1), enacted in 2016, was introduced to address the problem of ensuring that certain heavy vehicles meet the prescribed mass requirements for B-double authorisations in Tasmania, particularly correcting the omissions in the previous Tasmanian Schedule that occurred prior to the implementation of the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The Notice aims to exempt specified heavy vehicles from the stated prescribed mass requirements as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. This was achieved by replacing the Tasmanian Schedule 4 of the 2014 Notice with a new schedule that corrects these omissions. The Notice was enacted under the authority of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), specifically sections 119 and 23 of Schedule 1. It commenced on the date of publication and will expire when the 2014 Notice itself expires, is cancelled, or otherwise amended. The policy objective is to facilitate the correct and safe operation of B-double vehicles in Tasmania, ensuring compliance with national standards while accommodating specific regional requirements.

Scope and Application

The National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation (Notice) 2014 Amendment Notice 2016 (No. 1) applies to heavy vehicles, specifically B-double vehicles, operating within the jurisdiction of Tasmania. The Notice is designed to exempt certain B-double vehicles from prescribed mass requirements as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation. The Notice operates under the authority of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), specifically sections 119 and 23 of Schedule 1 of the HVNL. This Notice came into effect on the date of its publication and will remain in force until the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation (Notice) 2014 (No. 2) expires, is cancelled, or otherwise amended. The Notice includes a replacement Schedule 4 for Tasmania, which corrects previously omitted concessions that applied prior to the introduction of the HVNL. The Notice allows for the exemption of B-double vehicles meeting certain criteria from specific mass requirements, thereby permitting their use on all roads in Tasmania. For example, B-double vehicles that are no longer than 21 metres, have no more than seven axles, and have a mass not exceeding the lower of the aggregate axle load or 50 tonnes (or 50.5 tonnes for a compliant steer axle vehicle) are exempt from these mass requirements. Additionally, vehicles adhering to the specified conditions and having a rear trailer fitted with a rear load restraining guard that complies with the Forestry Safety Code are also eligible for exemption. Vehicles up to 26 metres in length may use specified routes as listed in the Tasmanian Approved B-double Route Network, subject to any operational restrictions. The Notice also includes conditions regarding the operation of B-double vehicles, including the requirement for certain vehicles to have an approval plate affixed to any front protrusions.

Key Provisions

This Notice amends the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle B-double Authorisation (Notice) 2014 by replacing Schedule 4, which pertains to Tasmania (sections 1 and 6). The primary operative sections define specific mass limits, vehicle dimensions, and permissible routes for B-double heavy vehicles in Tasmania. Clause 2 allows a B-double vehicle not exceeding 21 metres in length, with no more than seven axles, and with a mass not exceeding the lower of the aggregate axle load or 50 tonnes (or 50.5 tonnes for a compliant steer axle vehicle) to use all roads in Tasmania. Clause 3 extends this permission to vehicles with a rear load restraining guard compliant with the Forestry Safety Code. Clause 4 permits B-double vehicles not exceeding 26 metres in length to use specified routes, as detailed in the Tasmanian Approved B-Double Route Network. The Notice imposes obligations on the parties it governs, requiring compliance with the specified mass and dimensional limits, as well as adhering to the conditions outlined in the Tasmanian Approved B-Double Route Network. For instance, vehicles longer than 25 metres fitted with certain front protrusions must have an approval plate (clause 8). Additionally, vehicles using routes specified in clause 4 must comply with any operational restrictions detailed in the Network (clause 7). Failure to comply with the provisions of this Notice may result in various consequences. Although the Notice does not explicitly list offences or penalties, breaches of the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation or other related laws could result in enforcement actions, fines, or other penalties. The maximum penalties for such breaches would be determined by the specific laws governing heavy vehicle operations and mass and dimension regulations in Tasmania.