The latest National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) operation launched today will see the regulator’s officers and police focus on oversize overmass (OSOM) permit breaches in Queensland.
The NHVR has joined forces with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to address OSOM permit breaches in south-east Queensland following recent non-compliance rates of 43 per cent.
Operation Kindle will combine roadside inspections with education to reinforce permit conditions, vehicle standards and safe load management for OSOM movements over the next several weeks in areas including the Port of Brisbane and Burpengary.
NHVR director northern region Kelli Ready says multiple operations conducted throughout 2025 identified mechanical, dimension and loading breaches as the primary contributors to non-compliance.
“High levels of non-compliance in an area involving complex heavy load movements are concerning, particularly when these combinations can reach mass limits of up to 150 tonnes and lengths of 19 metres, meaning even the slightest miscalculation can have serious consequences,” Ready says.
“Operators must clearly understand their permit requirements and curfew conditions, which exist to protect road users, infrastructure and the industry.
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“We don’t want operators taking unnecessary risks, which is why Operation Kindle has been established to strengthen our coordinated efforts alongside the QPS and ensure OSOM permit conditions, including curfews, routes and mass limits, are being met.”
QPS road policing group inspector Gareth Bosley says OSOM loads presented an increased risk on Queensland’s roads and urged all drivers to prioritise public safety.
“While it’s essential that enforcement agencies manage these risks, it’s also up to operators and drivers to ensure they’re undertaking these movements safely and in accordance with their permit conditions,” he says.
“This includes ensuring loads are secure, vehicles are in good mechanical condition and the loading of vehicles does not compromise the driver’s ability to safely control it on our road networks.”
Operation Kindle will focus on improving compliance with OSOM permit conditions in the region to reduce safety and infrastructure risks, while ensuring operators and escort agencies understand their obligations.
Ready says industry could help increase safety by ensuring daily checks and regular maintenance were prioritised.
“Both the NHVR and QPS are committed to ensuring safer roads across Queensland, and we will continue to work with industry to achieve this,” she says.
“While we know most operators do the right thing, those who cut corners must be held to account – roadworthiness of heavy vehicles is paramount, and when mechanical systems aren’t up to standard, mistakes can be deadly.
“Officers will be working to educate drivers on the importance of mechanical inspections, permit conditions and loading requirements, to ensure they fully understand their responsibilities for road safety.”
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