Monday, September 5, 2016
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Night movement permit applications open
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Primary producers wanting to move machinery less than 4 metres wide at night can now apply for a permit as a result of the government-industry transport partnership project.
Primary Producers SA, Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) have been working together as part of the 90 Day Change @ SA Improving Road Transport for the Agriculture Industry Project.
The permit provides farmers and operators of oversize agricultural machinery or combinations with the ability to operate at night. Previously, only grape harvesters and canola windrowers were allowed to be moved at night because of the cooler harvesting conditions required.
The new permit system enables farmers to move agricultural vehicles and combinations up to the following sizes:
- Zone 3 (Adelaide Hills and some Zone 4 councils): up to 3.7 metres wide and 19m long
- Zone 4 (Country SA): up to 4m wide and 25m long
While most councils have approved the night movement permits, some councils have not or are yet to provide their response. A list is available at www.sa.gov.au/transport/agvehicles
Each permit is for three years, is issued by DPTI and enables travel at night between farm blocks or parcels of lands being worked by a farmer or operator – but not over longer distances at night between agricultural regions.
PPSA Chairman Rob Kerin said PPSA was working with DPTI and in conjunction with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to better understand how increased widths beyond 4m may work within the national regulatory framework.
“We understand that producers would like to be able to move larger machinery at night and we understand the efficiency gains that could be made by doing so. PPSA is working to ensure this desire is heard and we will keep growers updated as negotiations progress with policy-makers,” he said.
“In the meantime, this is certainly a step in the right direction because previously there was no night movement at all and this change will enable that to happen for certain machinery.”
Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Darren Arney said the 90-day Transport Project had presented a great opportunity for GPSA members to highlight transport hotspots around the state.
“The efficiency of grain freight and logistics is integral to the profitability of grain producers. As a result of the project, we are aware of a number of ‘last mile issues’ that have been addressed for grain transport into silos and ports in South Australia, enabling trucks easier access to load and unload grain,” he said.
“For the grain industry, the project has provided a platform to identify these localised transport issues issue that we have followed very closely on behalf of our members which, overall, are saving the industry money.”
The application process for night movement permits is being conducted through the government’s existing permits system at EzyReg. For more information on the requirements of night movement and how to apply, download PPSA’s fact sheet at www.ppsa.org.au or visit www.sa.gov.au/transport/agvehicles to start an application (under the heading National Heavy Vehicle Law – permit-based schemes).
ENDS
Media interviews: Rob Kerin, PPSA Chair – 0439 933 103. Darren Arney, GPSA CEO – 0448 186 707.
Download the current list of council which have given approval online
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