Last week, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) gave HVIA members a timely progress update on the new National Automated Access System (NAAS).
Russell Hoelzl and the TMR team presented to members on the current progress, planning and milestones planned over the next two years, up until the end of 2027. Beyond 2027, the NAAS will be extended to cover more states with the eventual goal for the platform to be truly national.
The NAAS is a digital platform designed to speed up and simplify route access for heavy vehicle operators. It replaces manual permit applications by automating road manager consent decisions using pre-approved, notice-based access maps.
With the Performance Based Standards Scheme (PBS) now carrying over 32,000 unique combinations, there is need for a higher level of automation and digitisation when processing route applications for PBS vehicles, oversize and over-mass (OSOM) vehicles and other boutique applications.
The online system allows heavy vehicle users to input vehicle and load specifications. It then instantly considers road manager-provided road and bridge data, along with specific rules, including load limits, curfews or escort requirements to generate a tailored network access map. This map shows all Queensland state and local roads where the vehicle can travel safely, including important road access conditions.
The operator is then able to move their heavy vehicle immediately without needing to wait around for an access permit.
Significant progress has been made in populating data into NAAS and achieving coverage for applications such as low loader vehicles and some OSOM vehicles and mobile crane special purpose applications in Queensland as well as a transition in Tasmania for PBS Level 2B and 3A networks via NAAS and powered by the original HVAMS Tasmanian system.
HVIA members who missed the webinar can contact r.michaud@hvia.asn.au for a copy of the link. HVIA is currently representing members as part of the NAAS National Industry Consultation Group and will continue to keep members up to date with the progress of the NAAS as it continues to meet critical milestones.
Keep up to date with the adoption of NAAS in Queensland by visiting the TMR website Heavy vehicles (Department of Transport and Main Roads as it moves towards implementation.