NatRoad says governments should take bold action and eliminate most heavy vehicle road access permits by 2028 to boost productivity, reduce cost of living pressures, improve safety and lower emissions.
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The recommendation to slash heavy vehicle access permits was made in NatRoad’s submission to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Productivity Plan 2024-2029.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says removing access permits just makes sense.
“Reforming heavy vehicle access would provide much-needed relief in today’s cost-of-living crisis,” he says.
“Removing access barriers enhances heavy vehicle sector productivity, which is vital for Australia’s economy and supply chains.
“By improving access for heavy vehicles, we can move more freight in fewer individual vehicle trips meaning lower costs, improved safety and reduced emissions.”
The NatRoad submission stressed the NHVR’s Productivity Plan must focus on the core goal of eliminating permits and implementing the National Automated Access System NAAS.
The successful development of NAAS should be modelled on the effective Tasmanian Heavy Vehicle Access Management System HVAMS)and should prioritise a transition from permits to network-based access NatRoad argues.
“Automated access is not about applying a layer of automation over the top of a broken and inadequate permit system,” Clark says
“We need a new approach to network-based access that slashes red tape for industry and removes administrative burdens for governments.
Clark says while governments have begun to move towards introducing automated access, it’s important for them to see stronger commitment to delivery and make sure they don’t end up with never-ending reform without real outcomes.
Costs and red tape on the road freight sector impact a wide range of industries across the economy, with previous modelling showing that improving heavy vehicle access would save the average consumer over $450 annually.
NatRoad has been around since 1948 and is the largest Australian road freight transport association, representing the interests of the $66 billion industry and its members.
The road freight transport industry is one of Australia’s biggest economic drivers with more than 50,000 companies employing over 200,000 people across the country.
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