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NHVR virus response targets permit moves

Amenity restrictions lifted from essential freight permits

 

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR’s) coronavirus (Covid-19) response will see amenity restrictions on curfew permits waived for the next three months, and officers asked to show discretion to trucks parked at supermarkets or distribution centres.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the changes bring freight movements using permits into line with recent legislation introduced by state governments to reduce the impact of curfews or parking around distribution centres and local supermarkets.

B-doubles or performance-based standards (PBS) vehicles carrying general freight to distribution centres or retail outlets may have travel conditions listed in permits or notices based on safety, access or amenity concerns.

“Officers have been advised that amenity-related restriction will not apply over the next three months, to support the movement of freight,” Petroccitto says in a statement.


Essential service reassurance for freight transport


The restrictions still include those related to safety and access.

“Drivers and operators will still need to adhere to the safety and access related conditions of each permit,” Petroccitto adds.

The regulator adds officers have also been advised to apply discretion to heavy vehicles which may be parked near distribution centres and supermarkets, unless the heavy vehicle is posing a safety risk.

NHVR’s statement quotes the South Australian Police’s assistant commissioner Ian Parrott welcoming the changes.

“It’s important that we continue to work with the heavy vehicle industry to reduce stress and maintain safety for this section of the supply chain, which is under pressure due to the national response to coronavirus,” Parrott says.

The arrangements are for all NHVR participating jurisdictions and will be reviewed on June 19.

 

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