The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA DIT) and local governments have collaborated to implement access reforms designed to cut red tape, open more pre-approved routes, and deliver faster, more consistent outcomes.
This comes after the South Australian Government made requests to the NHVR to transition heavy vehicle access permits to notices.
The NHVR says significant work has progressed on introducing new notices to enhance the safe and efficient movements of cranes across the state, along with initiatives to expand the eligible combinations under the Livestock Transport Notice.
Oversize Overmass notices introduced have replaced the need for the heavy vehicle industry to apply for permits on key routes, with the ongoing access reforms expected to slash the number of road manager consents needed by more than 1000.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Emily Bourke said the extensive collaboration efforts were focused on “ensuring safer, smarter and more efficient freight movements across South Australia”.
“These reforms represent a major step forward in modernising the way heavy vehicle access is managed in South Australia,” Bourke said.
“They are a win for industry with clearer, more reliable access; a win for government by cutting repeat permits; and a win for the community through more productive freight that helps keep the cost of goods down.”
On August 29, 2025 the South Australia Class 3 Specified Routes Dimension Exemption Notice 2025 (notice) was also published, replacing the South Australia Class 3 Road Train (North of Port Augusta) Dimension Exemption Notice 2024. The notice is a key development in supporting industries transporting loads, including transportable buildings.
The new notice has substantially expanded existing networks and provides new network access to eligible vehicles. Notably, B-doubles are now eligible to operate under the notice. However, it is also important for operators to be aware that rigid trucks towing two dog trailers and BA-triples are no longer eligible under this new notice.
Eligible vehicles under the notice will operate on the newly developed set of South Australian networks on the NHVR National Network Map.
“These notices are another milestone in aligning smart regulation with safer, more sustainable freight outcomes,” NHVR CEO Nicole Rosie said.
“By expanding notice access, we are cutting red tape and making it easier for operators to plan their journeys with confidence.
“We’ve worked closely with the South Australian government to ensure these expanded networks meet real-world operational needs, while maintaining strong safety standards.”
The NHVR added that extensive work has progressed and continues on the ongoing access reforms, which will ultimately aim to streamline operations by providing network access under notice and reducing administrative burdens.
Operators can review the ‘Heavy Vehicle – Road Operations Access Map (HV-ROAM)’ and for those in OSOM vehicles, information can be found at ‘Escorting Guidelines for oversize and overmass vehicles and loads in South Australia’.
The NHVR also reminds operators to review the Specified Road Manager Network Requirements, contained within the Operator’s Guide for each notice, ahead of travel.
What we need are 3 lane highways & bridges outside of each metro area to accommodate wide loads as in photo having one lane for passing vehicles either way .