Road Freight New South Wales adds to calls for an inquiry into the Oversize Overmass permit system
Road Freight New South Wales (RFNSW) has joined a number of its peer organisations in calling for an independent review of the Oversize Overmass (OSOM) permit system.
RFNSW chief executive Simon O’Hara says the current system is causing costly delays for truck operators across the country.
“Given the impact on business, RFNSW believes there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the rules and regulations governing the issuing of permits for oversized vehicles on Australian roads,” he says.
“The current OSOM system has been nothing short of a debacle, with carriers forced to apply for a new permit, on a case by case basis, even though they’re seeking approval for the same type of load, for the same vehicle and for the same destination.”
“It’s a ludicrous process which is seeing truck operators forced to endure long, costly delays whilst their application is being assessed by the regulator,” he says.
O’Hara echoed comments made yesterday by the Australian Logistics Council, the Australian Trucking Association and the Western Roads Federation, all of which have called for a wide-ranging review into the system, under the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Just how many days are lost waiting for OSOM approvals each year? Find out here
O’Hara said the findings of a review into the OSOM system should be part of the Federal Government’s 20-year National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
“OSOM vehicles are crucial to Australia’s economy which is why the Federal Government must act on industry concerns about the current permit system and how it is hurting truck operators across the country,” he says.