NHVR’s customer portal becomes main platform for heavy vehicle permits

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has given the green light to its online customer portal to become the main platform for heavy vehicle access permits from September 30.

NHVR is Australia’s independent regulator for all vehicles over 4.5t gross vehicle mass. It administers one set of laws for heavy vehicles to deliver a comprehensive range of services under one regulator.

NHVR had deployed the customer portal in a staged roll out and was already happy with its performance. More than 1400 businesses are utilising the portal and experiencing savings in processing times for their applications, according to AccessCONNECT program director David Carlisle.

He said there’s been an average of 70 per cent of access permit applications received per week through the online portal as more customers embrace the new system. “We have experienced significant growth on the portal since full release in August, and we will continue to communicate with our customers that they will have until September 30 to transfer over to the portal,” Carlisle said.

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Already, more than 3300 applications have been lodged with 1300 of those being access permits for high-productivity vehicles. These efficient vehicles reduce the impact of the heavy vehicle on supporting infrastructure and boost safety for all road users. “Ultimately, this means fewer trucks, less congestion and better safety outcomes as they can deliver the same amount of freight for fewer trips with reduced emissions and overall impact on local roads,” he said. Director of Russell Transport, Julie Russell, said the portal supports its business capabilities by enabling an automated and streamlined lodgement approach. “It also provides a track and trace system for the permit application process as well as a ready-reckoner for historical permits or permit renewals,” Russell said. Permit applications by mail and fax will continue to be accepted, to assist those with intermittent or poor internet services or for emergency purposes.