Heavy vehicle access

Heavy Vehicle National Law

The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) came into effect in Victoria on 10 February 2014. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) administers the HVNL for heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass.

How to apply

To apply for a heavy vehicle access permit you must apply directly with the NHVR. You can apply either online or by fax or post.

Things to consider when applying

Applications should be lodged at least 7 working days before proposed commencement.
Route information should be as detailed as possible and include final destination address with street address number; names of Council roads to be used; return journey considerations.
Identify VicRoads pre-approved routes and use these as much as possible. For more information, visit VicRoads Heavy Vehicle Map Networks in Victoria.
Vehicle dimensions provided for both laden and unladen loads: height, width, length and mass.
A fully dimensioned pedestrian management plan and/or traffic management plan where pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic are affected.
Where an application incorporates closure to traffic in a road or right of way, it should be lodged at least 3 weeks prior to intended commencement to enable notifications of properties deemed affected.
If the destination requires a road closure and/or traffic management approval in order to undertake a delivery or pick-up, the applicant should also apply to Council’s Building Department by calling us on our general line for road occupancy approval.

What information to include when submitting a traffic management plan

Street names (road, highway, carriageway, lane, footway, footpath, square, court, alley, right of way and any part of a road reserve)
North point
Dimensions of area to be closed and area to remain open (minimum of 1.5 m to be maintained for pedestrian access and a minimum of 3m for vehicle access on roadways)
Signage to be used (must be to current Australian Standards).

For more information, visit Local Law Permits - Building.

Please note:

The legislation states that Council has 28 days to make a decision and respond to applications. Stonnington Council will endeavour to process and respond to every application within seven working days. This can be extended if bridge assessments or other detailed analysis has to be carried out and this is to be funded by the applicant.
Stonnington Council will not issue any pre-approvals for the road network under its management until a full and proper analysis of the network has been undertaken.
Approvals will be issued when it is satisfied that the applicant has demonstrated it can operate the proposed heavy vehicle on Council controlled roads safely.