The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has moved to welcome the state government’s introduction of a new automated permit system to boost freight productivity.
The Victorian government recently announced the introduction of the Heavy Vehicle Structural Assessment Permit System, or HVSAPS, in a major modernisation that is set to reduce permit delays and improve productivity for the state’s freight operators.
The new automated system will process up to 85 per cent of structural assessments for Class 1 and Performance‑Based Standards (PBS) vehicles, reducing turnaround times from months to days and eliminating assessment fees that previously cost operators up to $20,000.
“These reforms are a game-changer and represent one of the most important productivity breakthroughs the industry has seen in years,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says.
“For too long, operators have been held back by costly, complex and time‑consuming permit processes. Automating the majority of structural assessments will free up operators to plan and execute freight tasks with far greater certainty, safety and efficiency.”
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The announcement follows sustained advocacy from the VTA, working closely with national partners including NatRoad and the Heavy Vehicle Industry Association (HVIA).
“These reforms show what’s possible when government listens to industry. We have been calling for a faster, more consistent and more transparent system for years, and this announcement demonstrates that the Victorian government understands the urgency and economic importance of these changes,” Anderson says.
The VTA also acknowledged the contributions of state ports and freight minister Melissa Horne, finance minister Danny Pearson and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), with the latter supporting the rollout of HVSAPS through the NHVR portal.
“Freight contributes $36 billion to Victoria’s economy every year,” Anderson says.
“Reforms like HVSAPS are critical to ensuring the freight task can continue to grow while maintaining the safety and productivity standards our industry is known for.”
For operators, Anderson says HVSAPS means permit wait times will be reduced from up to six months to just days, while manual bridge and culvert assessment fees will be removed (except for superloads), greater operational planning certainty will be on offer and productivity improvements are on offer.
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