To facilitate the transport of large indivisible items, a number of ‘annual permit’ schemes have been developed by VicRoads in conjunction with the Victorian Transport Association. An annual permit may achieve significant productivity improvements over the current single trip or specific short term permit for transport of one indivisible item.
The gross mass allowed for each vehicle combination has been developed based on the capacity of bridges on arterial roads. Generally, the routes available to eligible combinations will be the approved Higher Mass Limit (HML) network that is available to B-doubles, excluding all roads in mountainous areas (Grampians, Gippsland Ranges, Great Dividing Range and Otway Ranges).
Road safety and infrastructure protection is not compromised when operating within the limits and conditions outlined in the schemes:
Scheme A ≤ 77.0 tonne Gross Combination Mass on designated interstate highways and Over Dimensional (OD) routes [PDF, 24kb, 2 page];
Scheme B ≤ 60.0 tonne Gross combination Mass on approved B-doubles Higher Mass Limit (HML) network [PDF, 28kb, 2 page];
If operators need to travel on roads other than those within the provisions of the respective scheme, a separate application for a specific permit will be required, which may be issued for up to one month. A permit fee would apply to such a permit.
To be eligible for an annual permit, the vehicle combination must also conform to VicRoads Low Loader Mass Limits Tables, copies of which may be obtained from the Manager – Statewide Permit Group (Tel: 9881 8852). The vehicles must comply with the requirements for axle spacings, axle group spacings, axle widths and mass limits. Vehicles that do not comply with the tables are not eligible under these schemes.
A separate permit is required for each vehicle combination/configuration utilising the schemes. For example:
- Prime mover and three-axle low loader; or
- Prime mover and four-axle low loader; or
- Prime mover and single axle dolly and 3-axle low loader; or
- Prime mover and tandem axle dolly and 3-axle low loader.
A permit fee per vehicle combination/configuration will apply. To obtain permits please contact the Statewide Permit Group.
The normal operating conditions for oversize and overmass vehicles detailed in the Schedule 1 of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 1999, and the Additional Permit Conditions document which forms part of each permit will continue to apply.
An on-going review of the scheme is being conducted to determine the level of industry compliance with the operating conditions, including travel times, escorts and whether any adverse incidents have occurred under the scheme. The review will determine whether to continue or modify the scheme.