NEW national operation advice from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is to remove the requirement to include registration numbers from Class 3 Livestock Vehicle permits.
Assistant freight transport minister Scott Buchholz said the NOA would be implemented from 1 December 2020, following advocacy from the Australian Livestock and Rural Transport Association.
“Current provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) require that permits for Class 3 vehicles must include a description of the vehicle and a registration number,” Mr Buchholz said.
“However, it is common practice for farmers who have Class 3 permits to use a third-party operator to carry their livestock.
“Previously, if the permitted vehicle isn’t available at the right time, farmers needed to obtain a new permit, slowing down their ability to move livestock in a safe, timely manner.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said they were committed to working with stakeholders to improve efficiency and safety.
“This outcome has been driven by a partnership between the NHVR and the ALRTA, working together to improve things for our farmers,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“Farmers will now only need the permit to reflect the kind of vehicle, not the specific registration.
ALRTA national president Scott McDonald warmly welcomed the announcement.
“Decisions to buy or sell livestock are often made at short notice to take advantage of new opportunities,” Mr McDonald said.
“That means decisions to move livestock are also made at short notice.
“However, farmers can’t be expected to know vehicle registration details in advance of engaging a commercial livestock carrier and so have not been able to pre-apply for Class 3 permits.”
