The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has commenced a process seeking consent to a new National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice. Councils should have received an email outlining the consent process along with an information pack. Due to this being a formal consent process, a 28 day period exits for consent, ending on 5 April 2019.
The Agricultural Exemption Notice will replace access arrangements under existing legal instruments, harmonise mass and dimension limits and operating conditions, and reduce duplication and inconsistencies across state and territory borders.
The notice introduces vehicle standards and operating conditions to improve road safety. This includes conditions relating to maximum operating speed, setting a maximum mass and dimension limit, vehicle standards that meet the Australian Design Rules, warning signs and lights, and pilot and escort requirements.
The improvement of the regulatory environment governing agricultural vehicle and combination operation on public roads will improve the productivity of Australia’s farming industry, provide increased support for drought-affected communities, and improve road safety and infrastructure protection.
Further info can be found here