HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

Queensland Class 3 Cotton Module Transportation Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)

1        Purpose

This Notice provides an exemption from height and rear overhang dimension requirements for certain heavy vehicle while they are transporting cotton modules.

Note: This Notice replaces the Guideline for Transporting Cotton Modules in Queensland Form 16 V.4, published in March 2012 by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

2        Authorising Provision

This Notice is made under section 117 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

3        Title

This Notice may be cited as the Queensland Class 3 Cotton Module Transportation Dimension Exemption Notice 2019.

4        Commencement

This Notice commences on 10 February 2019.

5        Expiry

This Notice expires on 9 February 2024.

6        Definitions

In this Notice—

chain bed semi-trailer means a semi-trailer equipped with a chain bed designed for the transport of cotton modules.

cotton module means a packed and compressed cotton bale.

Critical Area Maps means the Critical Areas and Roads Maps published on the TMR website (enter Critical Area Map into search box).

eligible vehicle means a heavy vehicle or heavy vehicle combination to which section 7 and section 8 apply.

 TMR means the Department of Transport and Main Roads

Zones 1, 2 and 3 means the zones identified in the Heavy vehicle zone maps: Queensland as published on the TMR website (enter zone maps in search box).

7        Application –  Vehicle Combinations

(1)   This Notice applies to the following heavy vehicle combinations when transporting cotton modules on the routes stated in this Notice:

(a)     prime mover and semi-trailer combinations; and

(b)    B-doubles.

8        Application - Chain bed semi-trailers constructed or modified before 1 January 2007.

(1)   The exemption from rear overhang requirements in s9 applies only to combinations that include chain bed type semitrailers constructed or modified before 1 January 2007.

(2)   This section applies and the rear overhang requirement exemption applies whether the chain bed semi-trailer is laden or unladen.

9        Exemption - Dimension requirements

(1)   An eligible vehicle is exempt from the following dimension requirements of Schedule 6 of the Regulation:

(a)     Section 5(1): Rear overhang; and

(b)    Section 8(d): Height.

(2)   The exemption in (1)(a) only applies to chain bed type semitrailers constructed or modified before 01 January 2007.

10    Conditions – Dimension (Height)

(1)   An eligible vehicle operating under this Notice must not exceed 4.6m in height.

11    Conditions – Dimension (Rear overhang)

(1)   Chain bed type semitrailers to which s9(2) applies may have a rear overhang up to 4.2m.

12    Conditions: Approved Routes and Travel Conditions

(1)   An eligible vehicle must comply with the specified route and area requirements set out in this section:

a) A prime mover semitrailer operating under this Notice may use any road within Zones 2, 3 and in the Zone 1 Shires of Esk, Fitzroy, Gatton and Laidley

b) A B-double operating under this guideline may be used on approved B-double routes within Zones 2, 3 and in the Zone 1 Shires of Esk, Fitzroy, Gatton and Laidley.

c) Approved B-double routes are set out in the multi-combination routes published on the Queensland Transport and Main Roads website.

13    Conditions: Travel Restrictions

(1)   The transportation of cotton modules on a vehicle is restricted to the safest direct route from the farm of origin to a cotton gin nominated by the producer of the cotton.

(2)   An enclosed chain bed vehicle travelling in accordance with this Notice may only travel unladen:

a)      to farm sites for the purpose of loading cotton modules, or

b)      for the purpose of carrying out maintenance on the trailer, or

c)      for a return trip to the vehicle’s base.

Peter Caprioli

Executive Director (Freight and Supply Chain Productivity)

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator