Council successfully increases heavy vehicle road access for farmers
Published on 14 December 2016
Mildura Rural City Council has given approval for Higher Mass Limit (HML) vehicles to use all sealed and the majority of unsealed roads in the municipality, which is seen as a major win for dryland farmers.
HML vehicles are trucks and B-Doubles that can carry slightly more than standard, which up to now have required a permit to be driven on Council roads.
However Council recognised the majority of farmers and cartage contractors already used HML B-Doubles, and in a bid to provide easier road access for these drivers, gave approval for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to eliminate the need for permits.
Council has provided this approval, removing both the hassle and potential cost of the permit system.
Under the new rules, HML vehicles can be driven on all sealed and the majority of unsealed roads, with two exceptions.
Use of unsealed roads by these vehicles is only permitted in dry weather, and unsealed roads near commercial mining and quarry sites will still require a permit.
To be eligible for HML, vehicles must be fitted with certified road-friendly suspension.
These road-friendly suspension systems reduce the impact of laden axles on road pavements and because of the additional loading available, total truck movements can be reduced.
Mildura Rural City Councillor for Infrastructure and Transport Greg Brown, who successfully fought for widespread access for B-Double vehicles more than a decade ago, said the decision was a win for common sense.
“A lot of our farmers do drive these bigger vehicles and rely on them throughout the Mallee,” Cr Brown said.
“By approving the use of these HML vehicles, it removes the hassle and costs of getting permits, as well as the costs involved if drivers are caught without a permit. It just means they get back to working on their properties and their livelihoods.”
In an effort to ensure Council’s road network meets the extra demands placed on it by the heavier vehicles, Council’s road inspectors and engineering staff will continue to monitor the situation and could remove some approved roads if those posed a major maintenance cost increase.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au