National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation (Notice) 2014 (No. 3) Amendment Notice (No. 1)

Overview

The National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation (Notice) 2014 (No. 3) Amendment Notice (No. 1) was enacted in 2014 to address the need for specific authorisation of class 2 heavy vehicles, specifically road trains, to operate within defined areas or on particular routes during specified hours and days. This notice was made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and is an amendment to the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation (Notice) 2014 (No. 3). Authorised by Angus Draheim, the delegate of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, this notice aims to regulate the use of road trains in a manner that aligns with the conditions and requirements stipulated within it. The notice, which came into effect on the date of its publication in the Commonwealth Gazette, is set to expire on 9 February 2019.

Scope and Application

The National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation (Notice) 2014 (No. 3) Amendment Notice (No. 1) authorises the use of specific types of heavy vehicles, known as road trains, within designated areas and on particular routes during specified hours. This notice applies to entities and persons who operate these vehicles, specifically those that meet the criteria of a Type 1 road train combination as defined under the notice. This authorisation is made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and is effective from its publication in the Commonwealth Gazette until it expires on 9 February 2019. The authorisation extends to specified routes and conditions, which are detailed in Schedule 1 of the notice, and is subject to the conditions set out therein. The authorisation applies nationally, aligning with the provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, which operates across the Commonwealth of Australia. The notice does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and the conditions under which the authorisation is granted are clearly outlined in the document.

Key Provisions

The National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation (Notice) 2014 (No. 3) Amendment Notice (No. 1) provides specific authorisation for the use of Class 2 heavy vehicle road trains in designated areas and on particular routes during specified hours and days, along with the conditions under which they may be used (section 2). This authorisation is made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). The notice commences on the date of its publication in the Commonwealth Gazette and will expire on 9 February 2019. The notice allows for the insertion of detailed specifications into Schedule 1, Appendix 1 of the original notice. This amendment is intended to provide clarity and further detail regarding the authorised use of road trains in specific areas. The notice imposes obligations on the parties involved, primarily those who operate the road trains. The operators must ensure that their vehicles meet all the specified criteria outlined in the notice. These criteria include the configuration of the road train, the suspension system, the overall length of the combination, and the accreditation of the vehicles and operators under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS). Specifically, the road trains must consist of a prime mover with a single steer axle and tandem drive towing two trailers, with the rear trailer being a tri-axle converter dolly supporting a semi-trailer. Additionally, the tri-axle converter dolly must be fitted with certified Road Friendly Suspension (RFS), the combination must not exceed 36.5 metres in length, and both the prime mover and trailers must be nominated vehicles of an accredited operator who holds an accreditation for the Maintenance Management Module of the NHVAS. Breaches of the conditions specified in this notice could potentially lead to legal consequences. However, the notice does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance. The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and related regulations would typically govern the penalties for non-compliance with heavy vehicle laws. These penalties could include fines, vehicle impoundment, or other enforcement actions as stipulated in the HVNL. The specific penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and the enforcement actions taken by the relevant authorities.