National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2025 (No.1)

Overview

The Heavy Vehicle National Law National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2025 (No.1) was enacted to address the need for a structured fee schedule for services provided in relation to heavy vehicles that transport large indivisible items and operate under escort requirements. This notice was introduced to ensure that the costs associated with the administration of such services are recovered in a fair and transparent manner, thereby maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory framework under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). The Notice was authorised by the Parliament of Australia and is intended to recoup the reasonable costs associated with providing the specified services. This legislation aims to establish a consistent fee structure across Victoria for services such as escort services for vehicles carrying large indivisible items and inspections related to these services, ensuring that the costs of regulatory oversight are adequately covered. The Notice is effective from 30 June 2025, applying specifically in Victoria and setting a fee of $263.00 per hour, inclusive of GST, with minimum booking times to ensure the services are provided effectively.

Scope and Application

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2025 (No.1) applies to entities and individuals involved in the transportation of large indivisible items under a pilot or escort requirement as stipulated by the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). This Notice pertains specifically to the state of Victoria and governs the fees charged for services such as escort services and inspections related to these operations. The fees are structured to recover the reasonable costs associated with the provision of these services. Effective from 30 June 2025, the Notice stipulates a fee of $263.00 per hour, inclusive of GST, with a minimum charge of two hours on weekdays and three hours on weekends and public holidays. Additionally, the Notice outlines a cancellation fee for services cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, which includes a minimum charge equivalent to the hourly rate for the respective time of cancellation. The Notice also clarifies the scope of services provided by the Regulator, which includes the provision of escort services for heavy vehicles transporting large indivisible items and inspections of vehicles and loads as part of the escort's duties. The fees are intended to cover the costs of these specific services and apply from the time of booking until the completion of the service. Any cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled service will incur a cancellation fee based on the minimum service hours applicable for the day of cancellation. This Notice does not extend to other states or territories outside Victoria and is subject to the terms and conditions specified within its provisions.

Key Provisions

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2025 (No.1) outlines the fees applicable to services provided in relation to the administration of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) in Victoria, particularly for heavy vehicles transporting large indivisible items and operating under an escort requirement (s740 and 740A). Effective from 30 June 2025, the Notice stipulates that the services include escort services for vehicles carrying large indivisible items and inspection services related to these escorts. The fee for these services is set at $263.00 per hour, inclusive of GST, with a minimum charge of two hours on weekdays and three hours on weekends and public holidays. The fee becomes applicable from the time specified in the booking until the service is completed. Entities and parties governed by this Act are required to adhere to the specified fee structures and service minimums when availing of the services listed in the Notice. These services are designed to manage heavy vehicles transporting large indivisible items and to ensure compliance with escort requirements under the HVNL. Any entity or party must book these services in advance, specifying the time and location for the service to commence. Additionally, there is an obligation to provide notice for cancellations, with a minimum charge applying if the notice is given less than 24 hours before the scheduled service. Failure to comply with the fee provisions or cancellation notice requirements could result in financial penalties. Specifically, if a cancellation notice is provided less than 24 hours before the scheduled service, a minimum charge of two hours will apply on weekdays, and three hours will apply on weekends or public holidays. The Notice aims to ensure that the services provided are compensated appropriately and that the operational costs associated with the administration of heavy vehicles under the HVNL are recouped. While the Notice does not specify maximum penalties for breaches, it is implied that adherence to the fee structures and notice requirements is crucial to avoid incurring additional charges.